The price of some staples have reduced ahead of Aidilfitri this year, said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Salahddin Ayub.

“For example, the price of chicken dropped to RM5 to RM6 (per kilo) compared to about RM7 last year, while vegetables were also down 50 percent compared to last year's prices.

“The price of meat also dropped between 30-50 percent from last year,” he said, according to Bernama.

Malaysiakini is unable to independently verify this claim. The price list for agricultural products on the ministry’s website inaccessible at the time of writing.

Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the cabinet Hari Raya open house in Putrajaya today, Salahuddin said his ministry will devise a mechanism to stablise the prices of staples to balance supply and demand.

“It will ensure the prices of essential goods remain reasonable and affordable to the people after the Sales and Services Tax (SST) comes into effect in September,” he said.

On cabinet’s decision to break up Padiberas Nasional Bhd’s (Bernas) monopoly over the rice industry, Salahuddin said a report on a new model was in the works.

“I have assigned the National Agricultural Advisory Council, experts and ministry officials as well as an independent body to submit several proposals.

“All the reports will be scrutinised to implement a new model before being tabled to cabinet,” he added.