LUMUT – The Agriculture And Food Industries Ministry (Mafi) has found that the supply of chicken in the domestic market has stabilised and there were no major shortages in the past 10 days, said its minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee.
“I feel chicken entrepreneurs have taken the necessary actions to ensure the supply of 1.8 to 2 million chickens daily.
“We have also stopped export for the time being to meet domestic needs,” he said after making an official visit to Dinding Poultry Development Centre, Segari, in Manjung today.
It was reported that the chicken supply in several states has remained stable and was not completely cut-off, despite a reduction in supply.
The supply of chicken was reported to be insufficient in several states, purportedly due to the transition to the endemic phase of Covid-19, the Aidilfitri celebration, as well as panic buying following a statement that there would be a poultry shortage from May 20 to 22.
Asked about applications for chicken subsidies, Ronald said farmers who have not received the aid nor applied could do so after the deadline ends on June 5.
“We hope the industry would come forward to claim the subsidy. We have also increased the staff at the state level to handle applications.
“After the date, claims can still be processed. Earlier, approval was in stages but now the state level would review and the head office will make the final check,” he said.
He said, so far, only RM71 million in subsidies had been paid, despite RM729.43 million being allocated for the purpose under the Keluarga Malaysia Price Control Scheme since February 5, in line with the setting of the ceiling price for standard chicken at RM8.90 per kg. – Bernama, May 31, 2022
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