Chicken cartel probe almost complete, says deputy minister

The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) is in the final stage of its investigation into reports of a cartel that controls the price and production of chicken supplies in the country.

Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Rosol Wahid said several witnesses from among breeders and integrators have also been called to assist in the investigation.

“So far, MyCC is investigating the cartel’s involvement in (controlling) the price of chicken and a full report is expected to be tabled this month on whether it is true or otherwise.

“We will see based on the findings,” he said on the sidelines of a Bernama Radio programme in Kuala Lumpur today.

MyCC set up a special team in February to investigate allegations of anti-competitive conduct including anti-competitive agreements and/or abuse of dominant positions in the market that could cause an increase in the price of goods.

Meanwhile, Rosol said a decision on the extension of subsidies for poultry farmers scheduled to end on June 5 will be finalised by the Cabinet today.

“We have some suggestions related to the matter and today the meeting will decide whether to stop or continue, but with a slight improvement.

“Maybe the Cabinet has other proposals, so the decision depends on the Cabinet,” he said.