Penang: The supply of food items and essential goods in Penang remains sufficient and under control ahead of the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration next week, despite an expected surge in demand during the festive season.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow stated that all 27 price-controlled items in the state are in adequate supply, with current selling prices remaining below the government-set maximum prices. He emphasized that the state government constantly monitors developments, including market reports at State Executive Council (EXCO) meetings, to ensure the public is not burdened by excessive price hikes.

"Based on the reports, there has been no significant increase in the prices of goods. Everything remains under control, and that is what we want to ensure so that the people are not burdened by excessive price increases," Chow told reporters after launching the Eat Local Vegetables and Fruits Campaign at Komtar today. Also present were the State Rural Development, Agrotechnology, Food Security and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman, Datuk Rashidi Zinol, and the State Domestic Trade and Community Unity Committee chairman, Goh Choon Aik.

Chow added that the state government has also implemented various initiatives to strengthen food security and help lower the cost of living for people. He added that these ongoing efforts are vital to ensuring a balanced food supply chain and to benefiting consumers, operators, livestock breeders, and smallholders through guaranteed income and a more stable market.