Sabah lawmaker slams food price crisis

During the State Legislative Assembly debate, Mr Wong criticized the lack of tangible relief. Despite government promises to stabilize prices, he said everyday affordability continues to decline.

“People are increasingly burdened by the rising cost of living,” he remarked.

Price shocks

Mr Wong cited shocking price increases:

• Chicken: up to USD 3.20/kg (USD 2.80 in 2023)
• Eggs: USD 4.30-5.00/tray  per tray (USD 3.10-3.50 in 2023)
• Cabbage: USD 1.70/kg – nearly 5x more than in parts of West Malaysia like Johor where prices are as low as USD 0.35.

He also questioned why Sabahans, who largely rely on local produce, are paying far more than those in West Malaysia. The price gap, he argued, reflects a systemic failure in distribution, logistics, or policy enforcement.

“This is the most urgent issue,” Mr Wong said. “Our people’s disposable income is shrinking, and essential food items are no longer affordable.”

He concluded by calling on federal authorities to explain how the USD 213 million cost-of-living allocation is being used, and what real impact it has had on food affordability in Sabah.