KUALA LUMPUR – The country will soon face a shortage of chicken if the government fails to resolve the issues surrounding supply and pricing, said the Federation of Livestock Farmers Associations of Malaysia.
Its adviser Datuk Jeffrey Ng said the lack of supply stems from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“Aside from high prices, we could face a lack of supply as Ukraine is one of the most active chicken exporters, aside from Belarus and Russia.”
According to last year’s statistics, Ukraine is among the top 10 largest exporters of poultry meat in the world.
Malaysia, said Ng, is not the only country facing a supply issue as Singapore is also dependent on the three countries.
He added that the situation has been dire for some, leading to 48 chicken farms in Malaysia going bankrupt and 11 egg farms in Penang having to close due to supply disruptions.
Meanwhile, he said the government needs to engage with all stakeholders to come up with a mechanism quickly to address the rising prices as well.
He added that part of the issue involves the difference in prices set by the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry (Mafi) and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP).
“Imagine Mafi setting the price at RM5.60 but KPDNHEP sets it at RM5.90. This affects all parties, including traders and chicken farmers.
“As a result, chicken traders are under great pressure when they have to bear the price difference,” he said in a statement to The Vibes’ sister portal Getaran today.
Earlier, KPDNHEP Deputy Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid was reported as saying that engagement sessions with Mafi would continue to ensure the issue of rising chicken prices would not continue until the Hari Raya season.
He added that he was shocked by the shortage of chicken and chicken eggs in several states. – The Vibes, April 10, 2022
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