A viral social media post has sparked discussion among Singaporeans after an image surfaced showing eggs selling at RM10 (around S$3.03) for four trays in Malaysia.
The image, which originally appeared on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (XHS), was later shared in a Singaporean Facebook group.
The Facebook user who reposted the image expressed frustration over the rising cost of food in Singapore.
The user commented that prices in Singapore “never go down, only know how to go up,” adding that it was no surprise that more Singaporeans were heading to Johor Bahru for groceries.
However, some comments suggested that the lower prices were likely due to government subsidies in Malaysia.
Others even speculated that some Malaysians might enjoy a better quality of life compared to their neighbours.
A standard tray holds 30 eggs, meaning the viral price amounted to just RM0.08 per egg.
In contrast, a 30-egg tray typically costs around S$6.65 at NTUC FairPrice and Sheng Siong.
Viral photo taken in Kuala Lumpur wholesale market
A check on the original XHS post revealed that the image was taken at NSK Trade City in Kuchai Lama, Kuala Lumpur, on 27 March.
However, some XHS users later reported that a separate NSK outlet in Serdang no longer had eggs available at the promotional price, suggesting they had sold out.
One comment wrote, “Since eggs are so cheap, they were probably snapped up as soon as the store opened. One store reportedly had three days’ worth of stock cleared out immediately.”
Three trays for RM10
Retailers in Malaysia frequently run promotions on essential items like eggs and chicken, particularly during festive seasons.
The viral price at NSK Trade City appears to be part of such a promotion rather than a long-term pricing standard.
Some XHS users also shared other egg promotions: regular eggs were sold at three trays for RM10, farm-fresh eggs at two trays for the same price, while kampung (free-range) eggs were priced at RM12 per tray.
Despite these promotions, standard retail egg prices in Malaysia typically range from 45 sen for Grade A eggs to 41 sen for Grade C eggs, with most places selling a 30-egg tray for around RM19 (approximately S$5.75).
Rising egg prices in Singapore over the years
Egg prices in Singapore have been steadily increasing in recent years.
According to economic data firm CEIC, the average price of a 10-pack of eggs was S$3.39 in January 2023, up from S$1.77 in May 2010.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, prices hovered around S$2.40.
In 2022, the price of a 30-egg tray at FairPrice peaked at S$7.50 before later dropping to S$6.95.
Malaysia’s egg subsidies and promotions
The low egg prices in Malaysia may be due in part to government subsidies.
In June 2024, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the prices for eggs in grades A, B, and C were set at 42 cents, 40 cents, and 38 cents respectively.
This move was part of a broader government plan to rationalise subsidies while channelling savings back to citizens.
At the time, Anwar stated that egg subsidies would cost the Malaysian government RM100 million (S$30.3 million), compared to RM927 million allocated in 2023.
This translated to around RM0.10 per egg. He attributed the lower cost to reduced production input costs, particularly chicken feed prices.
However, in October 2024, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu announced that the government might review subsidies for eggs if supply stabilises.
This followed the successful removal of chicken subsidies, which saved the government RM100 million per month.
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