By Yeng Ai Chun

PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA: Consumers can expect chicken to be sold at between RM6.50(S$2.70) to RM7.50 per kilo right up to the Chinese New Year celebration.

Selangor and Federal Territory Poultry Wholesalers Association chief Datuk Dr Lee Chong Meng believed there would not be a sharp increase in price as the celebration drew nearer because there was a glut in the market.

"There is a 10% to 15% glut because there has been a drop in demand from restaurants, hawkers and consumers.

"Those in the food industry expected a brisk business during the Christmas and New Year celebrations but that did not happen," he said.

Prices of chicken have dropped by 20% and were sold at between RM6 and RM7 per kilo in markets.

A check by The Star at the markets here yesterday showed poultry sellers have reduced the retail price of dressed chicken between 80 sen and RM1.50 in the past week.

A poultry seller at Taman Paramount market, who only wanted to be known as Loh, said he was retailing dressed chicken without shank, head, liver and gizzard at RM6.70 per kilo from RM7.50 previously.

Loh, 36, said he was now paying RM3.90 per kilo for the price of live chicken from the previous RM4.40.