KUALA LUMPUR: Just days after assuming the post of Malaysia’s prime minister, Mr Anwar Ibrahim's first task is tackling the cost of living issue. None is more pressing than addressing an ongoing egg shortage, as far as voters are concerned.
Although the problem has been prevalent for the past few months, consumers hope the newly minted leader will help to improve the situation.
The shortage of eggs – the cheapest source of protein for many in Malaysia – was an issue seized upon by Mr Anwar in the lead up to the recent election to criticise the previous government.
“Why were Muhyiddin and Ismail Sabri promising this and that when there’s not even enough eggs,” he had said during an election campaign in Putatan, Sabah.
DEALING WITH THE EGG SHORTAGE
Now, the task falls on Mr Anwar and his soon-to-be-formed government to ensure that a steady supply of eggs returns to the shelves.
While a check by CNA at several hypermarkets in Kuala Lumpur found that there were supplies of eggs on Wednesday and prices appeared to be steady, the capital is among those that have been previously hit by shortage.
Malaysia’s Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry on Tuesday said that it will work with different states to balance the egg supply, ensuring that states with excess, such as Melaka, can route supplies to states with shortage, such as Kuala Lumpur.
The ministry urged consumers to refrain from panic buying, saying that would worsen the problem.
Apart from eggs, Mr Anwar, who rose to the country’s top job last week, will have to start reining in prices of other essential items.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), food inflation in the 12 months to September hit 15 per cent. Economists warned it could increase to between 17 and 19 per cent next year.
Shortly after being appointed to the position by the king, Mr Anwar in his first address said that his primary focus would be to manage the cost of living and tackle rising prices.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asi...him-eggs-shortage-chicken-cost-living-3115431
