KUALA LUMPUR – The government’s move to float the price of chicken and eggs in the market is to ensure that only eligible citizens, and not foreigners or super-rich groups, benefit from the subsidies provided.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that since 2022, the government has allocated a total of RM3.7 billion in subsidies to cover the cost of chicken and eggs.
This has resulted in approximately 3.5 million foreigners and 10% of the wealthy in the country enjoying these subsidies.
“Given the current situation where the market price is below the ceiling price, and chicken and eggs in Thailand are cheaper than in Malaysia, then it’s time for us to float the prices.
“If there is a shortage, we will supplement from the stockpile.
“The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has 30% of the chicken and egg stock, and I have instructed the minister to buy from Thailand if needed,” he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. – Bernama, October 17, 2023
