Egg Subsidy: Consumer Groups Urge Strict Monitoring By Authorities
By Rosmalis Anuar and Nur Natasha Aida Ismail
KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- Consumer groups have urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) to ensure that no profiteering activities occur, following the government's decision to end the egg subsidy by adopting a more proactive approach in monitoring retail egg prices nationwide.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) chief executive officer Dr T Saravanan said this includes strict monitoring of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), taking firm action against opportunistic price hikes, while ensuring that pricing mechanisms remain transparent and fair.
'FOMCA supports this policy direction, as a step towards a more sustainable and targeted subsidy system.
'However, it must be accompanied by robust protections for the vulnerable groups, stable supply chains, and continuous market monitoring, to ensure that this move does not inadvertently burden consumers,' he said, when contacted by Bernama, today.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), in a statement today, announced that the government will reduce the egg subsidy, from RM0.10 to RM0.05 per egg, effective tomorrow, before fully withdrawing the subsidy starting Aug 1.
The ministry also announced that price controls on eggs would be lifted, citing the industry's commitment to ensuring sufficient and stable egg production, following the stabilisation of production costs.
To prevent panic buying or artificial shortages, which could drive up prices, Saravanan said that the government must ensure a consistent and sufficient supply of eggs in the market by working closely with producers, distributors, and retailers.
He also stressed the importance of implementing proper safety nets, particularly for the B40 and vulnerable groups, who are likely to be more affected by price adjustments.
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