KUALA LUMPUR – Putting on hold approved permits (APs) as a requirement to import food is not a “silver bullet” in resolving supply issues and rising prices, said Seremban MP Anthony Loke Siew Fook, as other countries are struggling with domestic food security.
He said although the ceiling price for poultry must remain, the government must channel enough subsidies to poultry farmers amid rising livestock feed costs.
He added that this is compounded by the weak ringgit, forcing Malaysia to pay more for food imports.
“Even though the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry has a RM528.52 million allocation to subsidise 60 sen/kg for poultry, this rate has to be reviewed as high feed prices escalate.
“Subsidies should also be channelled to poultry farmers without red tape.”
Loke, who is also DAP secretary-general, has urged Putrajaya to mobilise all state governments to ready large plots of land soonest for grain cultivation to reduce Malaysia’s dependence on feed imports.
He added that currently every country is faced with food security issues and producing countries are prioritising domestic demands.
In his statement today, he slammed the government for failing to resolve the poultry supply issue earlier, resulting in a shortage in the last few days.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday said the weekly cabinet meeting will be brought forward to today to discuss cost of living and food supply issues.
The Malaysian Livestock Farmers’ Association Federation also said the group would respect whatever call the government makes to address the crisis.
Over the weekend, several quarters had attributed the problem to rising livestock feed prices, insufficient subsidies and poultry diseases.
This does not sit well with consumers as they are frustrated over the supply disruption.
Just last week, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi denied allegations that a group of poultry industry cartels were planning to close poultry farms on Saturday and Sunday, a move that would affect the supply of chicken.
It was reported that a group of poultry industry cartels had planned to close farms for two days to protest against the government’s delay in subsidy payment. – The Vibes, May 23, 2022
