Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has urged Domestic Trade Minister Datuk Armizan Ali to take immediate action over the sharp disparity in fresh chicken prices between Sabah and the peninsula.

The Sabah Umno chief described the situation as a severe burden for low-income families, saying that Sabahans are buying the prices of two chickens priced in the peninsula. 

“Fresh chicken is a necessity, not a luxury,” said the Sabah Umno chief, adding that the government must prioritise solutions to address the rising cost of living in the state.

Bung who is also the Kinabatangan MP and Lamag assemblyman also expressed gratitude to the federal minister for their swift response to his earlier remarks.

“I welcome the efforts through studies conducted by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas). 

“I am very interested to see the findings, which I believe will provide a clearer picture of the price disparities between Sabah, Sarawak, and the peninsula, helping us find long-term solutions,” he said in statement from Kota Kinabalu, today.

Bung revealed the prices of up to RM16.50 per kilogram in Sabah compared to RM7 to RM9 in Peninsular Malaysia had come from the public and had urged them to report the location where such prices persist.  

“However, I believe after this issue gained attention, sellers may no longer openly offer such prices,” he added.

Armizan earlier acknowledged the issue, calling it a “long-standing problem,” and said a Price Stabilisation Study by UMS and Unimas is underway, with findings expected this month.

Bung maintained that the government must act now to prevent further hardship, while Sabah Umno plans to file an official memorandum through its Public Relations and Consumerism Committee to escalate the matter.

“This isn’t about politics; it’s about ensuring fairness and survival for the people of Sabah,” he said. – January 21, 2025.