Consumers unfazed by new egg prices amid subsidy restructuring
KUALA LUMPUR: Egg supplies are steady at supermarkets here with most consumers apparently undeterred by its prices on Day One of Malaysia's move to restructure subsidies for them.
'Even if prices go up, I would need to continue buying eggs,' said self-employed Ishak Moosa, 51, who buys at least two trays weekly.
'I eat four eggs for breakfast while my son eats two. I think it is the most basic food with good nutritional value.'
A check by The Star yesterday showed that Grade C eggs cost between RM10.53 and RM10.59 per tray of 30 eggs, Grade B eggs were between RM11.40 and RM12, and Grade A eggs were between RM12.20 and RM12.60.
Based on observations, prices had remained about the same.
As comparison, the prices per tray on Thursday for Grade C were RM10.50 to RM10.65, Grade B were RM11.40 to RM11.85, and Grade A were RM12 to RM12.60, according to manamurah.com and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry's PriceCatcher application.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry had, in a previous statement, announced that the restructuring of chicken egg subsidies would take effect from yesterday in a move to ensure a targeted subsidy approach and to maintain supply security and price stability.
The Star found that many consumers at the supermarket preferred Grade A and B eggs. There were plenty of Grade C eggs available.
'I don't buy Grade C eggs if A or B are not available.
'Instead, I would opt for the Omega eggs because I think the price is somewhat okay,' said Ishak.
Asked about the government's move to introduce 'special grade eggs' which will be sold at more affordable prices, Ishak said that this would be good especially for those from B40 families.
Eg's Wok Kitchen manager Rizwana Bashir said the availability of affordably priced eggs for the targeted community would be beneficial, as price remains a crucial factor.
'We use pasteurised eggs. So far, we have not seen an increase in its price. But we would use normal eggs for our roti jala.
'If there is any increase, the costing will be affected, but you can't increase the price of food too much because consumers won't patronise your shop.
'So, affordable eggs would be good for all because we want to cater to the masses including the B40 who also deserve to eat out,' she said.
As for assistant manager Idah A., she spoke about her preference for the 'bigger Omega eggs'.
'I would rather spend more buying healthier and bigger eggs.
'I don't buy the normal ones because they don't last long.'
However, she acknowledged the need for many families to buy Grade B or C eggs as they were recipients of government aid.
'So, when it comes to buying eggs, everyone has their own preferences,' said Idah, 55.
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