Business · Malaysia Bureau
Sabah seeks broader pork suppliers as prices surge past RM18 per kg
Rising pork prices in Sabah have prompted calls for the state to diversify its import sources beyond Denmark and France. The cost of pork has climbed to between RM17.50 and RM18 per kilogramme, sparking concern among consumers and industry stakeholders.
LSN Malaysia ·
KOTA KINABALU — Pork prices in Sabah have climbed to RM17.50 to RM18 per kilogramme, triggering renewed pressure on authorities to expand the state's supplier base amid mounting affordability concerns.
Currently, Sabah relies heavily on pork imports from Denmark and France, a narrow sourcing arrangement that stakeholders argue contributes to price volatility and limits competitive pricing. Industry observers and consumer groups have urged the state government to negotiate with additional suppliers to increase competition and stabilize costs.
The price escalation reflects broader regional inflationary pressures affecting livestock and meat products. Sabah, which does not have significant domestic pork production capacity, remains dependent on imports to meet local demand, making supply chain diversification a critical policy consideration.
State authorities have indicated awareness of the pricing issue, though specific timelines for expanding approved suppliers remain unclear. Analysts suggest that broadening import sources could introduce market competition that would help moderate retail prices for consumers across the state.