They are the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry and the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry, said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said it had been reported that chicken was being sold at RM8 per kg in several markets in Kedah and Selangor over the past several days, higher than the usual RM7 to RM7.50.

"We will discuss to overcome the rise in the prices to avert consumers having to be burdened," he told reporters after opening an automotive workshop in Triang, Bera, here.

According to Bernama.com Mr Yaakob said the chicken prices had gone up due partly to the hot weather which stunted the growth of the birds and thus reduced the supply.

Furthermore, the move to stop import of chicken from China following an avian flu epidemic there also contributed to the shortage, he said.

"We will propose to the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry to issue permits for import of chicken from other countries to overcome the shortage in the country," he said.