Subsequently, two “show cause” notices were issued by the state’s KPDNHEP to the raw chicken suppliers on April 15 and 16.

Its director, Ain Arjuna Aziz Zaman, said the notices were aimed at getting to the root of the current hike problem before action is taken against them if the increase turns out to be arbitrary and unreasonable.

“We will supervise based on the power given to the ministry, in accordance with the situation and also through the Festive Season Maximum Price Control Scheme.

“Chicken is among the items included in the list of controlled price items.”

Earlier, the media reported the price of processed chicken had gone up to RM10 a kg since early Ramadan after suppliers and chicken farm owners raised their prices.

In the meantime, Ain suggested that consumers make full use of the “price catcher” app to check the prices of goods, including outlets offering the best price alternatives.

She said the app could save time and cost and consumers could make comparisons among the different premises as it highlighted the prices of goods on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Consumers Association chairman Khairuldin Yunus said the authorities should announce a price control scheme soon to prevent certain quarters from taking advantage of the situation.

He also said the price control should not be limited to only the festive season.

“To date, we still have not received any complaints on a hike in chicken prices from the public. Maybe they are reluctant to do so. Nevertheless, the government must monitor prices.”