THE Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has set up a special task force to investigate the competition related issues in the chicken and chicken eggs industry.
“We will not hesitate to take action under the Competition Act 2010 against any party that is involved in economic sabotage, while taking advantage of the people especially during this pandemic era,” MyCC CEO Iskandar Ismail said in a statement.
Last month, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Ministry Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that chicken and prices of eggs may soar after the Malaysian Family Maximum Price Scheme ends on Feb 4.
“In yesterday’s discussion, some farmers’ associations complained about livestock prices and operating costs which were said to have increased including the cost of importing chicken feed.“
“Currently, the maximum retail price of a whole chicken is RM9.10 per kg and it is said to be low, therefore they are still considering the decision to increase the price of chicken to protect the consumers and traders,” he was reported as saying by the New Straits Times.
“Nevertheless, KPDNHEP will continue to monitor the prices from time to time, and we wish to assure that appropriate steps will be taken to safeguard the welfare of consumers and traders,” Nanta added then.
On that note, Iskandar said that MyCC has been tasked to probe the case by the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL) in a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“We will probe anyone engaging in cartel or abuse of dominant power, or monopoly activities in the industry.
“This includes the imposition of maximum penalties and other stern actions to ensure that this act is halted altogether,” he concluded. – Feb 1, 2022.
