18 Jul 2025

Sabah lawmaker slams food price crisis

Sabahans in Malaysia face soaring food costs despite USD 213 million federal budget meant to ease living pressures.

Jess Ramanee

SAVE IN THE LIBRARY PDF FILE

Soaring prices of chicken, eggs, fish, and vegetables are putting immense strain on households across Sabah, East Malaysia.

This prompted opposition lawmaker Junz Wong to demand clarity on how the federal government is spending its USD 213 million cost-of-living budget.

Junz Wong

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

Continue after advertising.

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.

PDF FILE