PUTRAJAYA: The price of chicken is expected to go up to around RM10 per kg after July 1 when the ceiling price is removed, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister said livestock farmer groups have told the ministry that even though chicken prices will increase, they have given their assurance that it will not go up exponentially.

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"The livestock farmer groups told me that chicken prices will indeed go up a bit after the subsidy is removed. It will be around RM10 or so per kg, but it won't be as high as RM12.50 per kg.

"However, the ministry will constantly monitor the prices on the market and if we find traders increasing their prices and breaching the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act, we will take action without hesitation," said Nanta at a press conference after attending an engagement session with industry players and consumer groups at his ministry here on Tuesday (June 21).

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The maximum price scheme for chicken and eggs was implemented last Feb 5 and had been scheduled to end on June 5, but the government extended the deadline to June 30.

Currently, the ceiling price for standard chicken is set at RM8.90 per kg in Peninsular Malaysia.