By Muhammad Rey Hazriell
SHAH ALAM, May 2 — The removal of chicken egg subsidies is set to directly impact the B40 group, as higher prices could hinder their access to affordable protein sources, said the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca).
Fomca chief executive officer T. Saravanan said eggs are among the staples for low-income households due to their affordability, nutritional value, and availability.
“For many households, especially those in the B40 income group, even a small increase in the prices of basic goods can strain their tight budgets, which could lead to nutritional consequences, as eggs are a key part of an affordable diet,” he said.
Projections indicate that the price of Grade C eggs, which previously cost around 50 sen each, could rise to 70 sen, adding further strain to the monthly budgets of families already struggling to make ends meet.
[caption id="attachment_375306" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
People buy chicken eggs at the Jualan Ehsan Rahmah affordable sales programme at Dewan Batu 16, Dusun Tua, Hulu Langat, on October 23, 2024. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Saravanan voiced concern that unscrupulous traders may exploit the subsidy removal to inflate prices beyond reasonable levels.
He warned traders against taking advantage of the situation by imposing unjustified price hikes for profit.
“We would like to emphasise that Fomca is deeply concerned about potential price manipulation.
“We urge the government, through the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s (KPDN) enforcement unit, to strengthen monitoring, impose strict penalties against offenders, and ensure that ordinary Malaysians do not become victims of market abuse,” he said.
As a preventive measure, Saravanan urged consumers to report any price irregularities to KPDN to ensure firm enforcement.
Fomca is stepping up its consumer education campaign to raise public awareness of their rights and empower them to respond wisely to any instances of price manipulation, he added.
Saravanan said Fomca has called on the government to maintain targeted aid via e-Kasih or other support mechanisms to ensure the less fortunate are not burdened by the price adjustment.
He added that subsidy reforms should be implemented gradually, with transparency and close monitoring, to prevent the public from becoming victims of the government’s efforts to restructure the economy.
“While we support the subsidy rationalisation in principle, reforms must always be implemented with care, fairness, and, above all, compassion for the people,” he said.
