SANDAKAN: Traders have been urged to exercise corporate social responsibility and maintain fair prices for chicken and eggs following the government’s removal of subsidies and price controls on the two essential food items.
Bryan Chang, Special Officer at the Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Service Centre, acknowledged that traders are now free to determine prices based on market forces. However, he emphasised that many Sabahans continue to face mounting financial pressure amid the rising cost of living.
He pointed out that businesses in Sabah already contend with higher logistics costs than those in Peninsular Malaysia. The recent diesel subsidy rationalisation has further increased transportation and operating expenses, contributing to higher prices for goods and services.
“While higher transportation costs have undoubtedly placed additional pressure on traders, it is regrettable if these increased expenses are passed on entirely to consumers. I hope traders will show empathy towards the public’s financial difficulties and keep their prices at a reasonable level,” he said.
Chang also warned against hoarding supplies to create artificial shortages or inflate prices, stressing that such practices are not only detrimental to consumers but are also offences under existing laws.
Meanwhile, Sandakan Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Branch Head Joe Azmi said the department would intensify enforcement following the removal of price controls.
He said traders found imposing excessive or unreasonable price increases would be required to justify their pricing, and enforcement action would be taken against those found to have breached the law.
Chang also expressed concern over the supply of local white rice, noting that stocks have recently appeared insufficient despite the commodity remaining under government price regulation.
He urged the relevant authorities to ensure a stable and adequate supply of local white rice to meet market demand. He also called for periodic reviews of transport and logistics policies to help ease distribution costs and prevent further increases in food prices that would place an even greater financial burden on households. – James Leong
Chang also warned against hoarding supplies to create artificial shortages or inflate prices.
