KUALA LUMPUR – Chickens from states with excess supply will be transported to areas experiencing shortages as a temporary solution to the current poultry shortage, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry said today.
Speaking to Getaran, The Vibes’ Malay-language sister portal, deputy minister Datuk Rosol Wahid said the ministry hopes such measures will be able to alleviate worries of consumers following the shortage caused by closures of several disease-stricken poultry farms.
Rosol said the alternative solution will be carried out according to the ministry’s capacity in identifying badly affected areas.
“For example, shortages are happening in Perlis, we will accommodate for this with excess from Penang.
“Actually, based on reports we received from the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry, the total number of chickens produced is around 66 million a month, compared with demand of around 60 million during ordinary periods, while festive periods see a slight increase,” he said when contacted.
Commenting on the closure of several poultry farms plagued by growth issues and diseases in the chickens, Rosol said enforcement officers from the consumer affairs ministry have already begun detailed investigations at the affected locations.
He said his ministry had not only gone through letters form breeders but were also “on the ground” conducting investigations into the cause of the shortage.
“Officers have gone and witnessed themselves, in fact, with pictured reports accompanied by evidence showing the chickens suffering from diseases, with its weight around 1.2kg, which is not suitable to be supplied to retailers,” he said.
Rosol added that stern action under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 will be taken against those found to be manipulating the supply to destabilise the market.
Separately, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad was reported giving his assurance that the state will not experience a chicken shortage unlike other states.
“What is happening in other states will not happen in Perak. We have been communicating directly with chicken suppliers and they have given their word to supply chicken as usual to the people of this state.
“In fact, I have given the responsibility to state excos to provide information during our weekly meetings over the latest developments,” Saarani said.
Earlier today, reports emerged of frustrated consumers and traders complaining of a chicken shortage at several wet markets in the capital.
On Thursday, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi had denied allegations of poultry industry cartels planning to close their farms over the weekend to affect the supply.
He had said that only one livestock farm company in Melaka would be closed for two days, adding that the closure would not affect the chicken supply in the market. – The Vibes, May 21, 2022
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