Chicken egg prices in Kedah stable despite subsidy removal

New Straits Times

2 days ago

ALOR STAR: Supplies and prices of chicken eggs across various grades have remained stable in Kedah, despite the discontinuation of the egg subsidy.
Checks by the "New Straits Times" at urban hypermarkets in Alor Star and Padang Terap found no noticeable price hikes or disruptions in supply.
Taman Saga Mydin Hypermarket assistant manager Anuar Abu Hassan said the only difference following the removal of the subsidy was the lifting of purchase limits that were previously imposed.
"Previously, due to subsidy controls, customers were limited to buying two trays of 30 eggs per person.
"Since the subsidy ended, that restriction has been lifted, prices have not changed and supply remains stable.
"There has been no panic buying or complaints. Prices are affordable," he said at the hypermarket in Alor Star.
As of today, the hypermarket lists Grade A eggs at RM12.60 per tray of 30 eggs, Grade B at RM11.99, Grade C at RM10.99, and Grade D at RM9.99.
In Simpang Kuala, a wholesaler who wished to be known only as Tan, said prices and supplies of eggs have remained unchanged since the removal of price controls.
"Prices are now based on supply and demand since the subsidy ended. So far, the situation has been stable," she said, adding that Grade A eggs were priced at RM12.30 per tray of 30 eggs at her store.
In Kuala Nerang, wholesaler Zulkifli Shuib, 35, said supplies for Grade B chicken eggs were ample, adding that there have been no price changes at the wholesale level or from producers.
"We're selling at RM11.40 per tray of 30 eggs for Grade B. So far, there's been no difference in prices, and supply has been consistent throughout Padang Terap," he said.
Sundry store employee Yusuf Zahir, 41, said retail prices of eggs in Kuala Nerang town had remained stable.
He said Grade C eggs were priced at RM11.40 for a tray of 30, while Grade B and Grade A eggs were sold at RM12 and RM12.60 per tray, respectively.
On April 30, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry announced that the egg subsidy would be discontinued starting Aug 1.
The decision was made after factoring in the industry's commitment to ensuring a stable and sufficient egg supply following the stabilisation of production costs.