Price of local beef in Kedah shoots up by 27pc

ALOR STAR: The price of local beef in most parts of the state has skyrocketed by up to 27 per cent, averaging RM28 per kg and errant butchers at the wet markets are to be blamed for the situation.

A major beef supplier in the state, Md Rashid Hanafi, said he had not increased the price of the commodity despite a slight increase in demand among consumers due to the fasting month.

"My price to my regular traders and butchers remains at RM20 per kg. I am shocked to find some unscrupulous traders and butchers selling local beef at RM28 per kg," he said, when contacted on the sudden increase in the price of local beef.

Barely a week ago, Kedahans had to dig deeper into their pockets after the price of chicken rose steeply to as much as RM9 per kg from RM6.30 per kg.

The price increase, which is still prevalent in many parts of the state, was blamed on the recent haze and the sudden high demand for chicken meat due to the fasting month.

The price of imported beef, not as popular as local beef, is however stable at between RM18 and RM30 per kg, depending on its parts.

Checks at major towns in the state showed the price of local beef have shot up by between RM3 and RM5 per kg, depending on the areas.

In Kulim, the price of local beef at a number wet markets retailed at between RM26 and RM28 per kg compared to the regular price of RM22 per kg. At most wet markets in Alor Star and in Sungai Petani, local beef is sold at between RM25 and RM26 per kg.

Rashid's concern was shared by Kedah Consumers Association chairman Datuk Yusoff Ismail.

He blamed the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Department here for the indiscriminate price increases of essential food items by errant traders.

"The price of chicken went up ridiculously and the department did not do anything. "Now, the price of local beef has followed suit. What's next?"

Yusoff said it was unfair for the department to stick with its practice of only taking action against errant traders during the two weeks before and after a festive season.

"People, especially the low-income earners have to eat."

jangan ada yang mengambil kesempatan di musim perayaan ni dah lah..