End Of Egg Subsidies: No Price Increase Recorded So Far

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- Checks have found no significant increase in egg prices following the restructuring of egg subsidies.

According to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living’s Price Catcher app, the prices of 30 Grade A, B and C eggs remain stable, ranging from RM10.40 to RM12.60 at supermarkets in the capital.

Rafiah Rahmat, 58, a consumer in JOHOR, hopes that the subsidy removal will not lead to excessive price hikes, which will burden the public.

“We must view the government’s decision positively, as there are valid reasons behind it. As consumers, we hope prices remain reasonable, quality is maintained, and supply stays sufficient,” he told Bernama today.

Meanwhile, Johor Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) director, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, said the ministry has not received any complaints of unreasonable egg price hikes so far and continues to carry out regular monitoring.

Checks on several grocery stores in Kota Bharu, KELANTAN, found that egg prices remain between RM11.50 and RM15 for a tray of 30 eggs, depending on the grade, despite retailers having received early notices that prices may increase soon.

Hasnah Saad, 58, a shop owner in Kampung Derdap, said the prices remain the same as they are still selling existing stock.

“The supplier has informed us that the new prices may be higher. If that’s the case, we’ll have no choice but to sell according to the current market rate,” she said, adding that although demand for eggs has increased recently, supply remains sufficient for now.

She said the profit margin for retailers is minimal, and any change in prices from suppliers would directly affect selling prices.

A trader, Mohd Farid Aziz, 42, from Pasir Tumboh, shared the same view and said they are prepared for any price adjustments that may occur in the coming weeks.

A consumer, Mohd Azrul Nasir, 46, urged the government to take a more proactive role in ensuring a stable supply and affordable essential food items such as eggs.

KEDAH Consumer Association president Mohd Yusrizal Yusoff urged the authorities to take a more hands-on role, including in terms of monitoring, to prevent a sudden spike in egg prices, emphasising that consumers remain protected under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2010, which allows complaints to be lodged with KPDN in cases of unreasonable price increases.

The government announced the removal of the egg subsidies effective August 1, with a shift towards targeted subsidy distribution to ensure assistance reaches those who truly need it.

-- BERNAMA