Domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said a detailed report was needed to determine the validity of the allegations.

“This needs a thorough investigation and we cannot be too quick to say that there are cartels (in the industry).

“I do not rule out or confirm this (claim). It’s better to wait for the MyCC report. This not only involves this ministry but other ministries as well because it is related to supplies and so on,” he told reporters here today.

Earlier, he launched the implementation of the Hari Raya maximum price control scheme and a festive sales programme at AEON Mall Nilai.

A local newspaper reported today that cartels continued to dominate the poultry industry due to political interference.

The report also revealed that cartels dominated the daily market with 1.5 million chickens, which was 70% of the total 2.2 million sold nationwide every day.