Subsidy removal not necessarily a bad thing, says former deputy minister

BALIK PULAU -  The removal of subsidies for poultry is not necessarily bad for consumers as the present market price is considerably lower than the time chicken was a controlled item, said a former deputy agriculture and agro-industries minister.

Citing data, the recent market price for poultry in Penang, was RM6 compared to RM9.40 when it was pegged as a controlled item, said Sim Tze Tzin.

"There is a need to understand that the free market concept is at times good for the average consumer. It makes the entire supply chain competitive and it drives healthy competition, which eventually benefits us as consumers," said Sim.

He also underlined that if farming becomes competitive, it would entice more investments, especially in areas of technology and marketing because there is money to be made for all participants in the supply and demand chains.

Earlier, Sim officiated the APAC regional Plexus Pink Run event, which was held by the multinational corporation to raise donations and awareness about cancer.

Present were APAC regional Plexus president Victor Tan, Chuah Cheng Leong (human resources vice-president), Mount Miriam Hospital community development officer Cheryl Tan and Breast Cancer Foundation chief executive officer Herrie Muhamad.

Elaborating more on food security, Sim acknowledged that Malaysian consumers are burdened by rising food prices, worsened by the declining ringgit.

"I would say 50% of what is on our plate is imported from vegetables to meat."

For example, Sim said imported fruits such as apples and oranges can be substituted by local fruits such as watermelons and bananas.

"Buy more Malaysian-made produce. When shopping, a consumer can easily see the details on whether the item is imported or not."

He also encouraged communities to plant more of their own vegetables and for the private sector to invest in large-scale commercial farming.

"We see a shifting trend now with more graduates and conglomerates investing in food security since the demand is great."

Sim also urged developers and contractors to cultivate empty plots available on their land for agriculture schemes.

Earlier, Tan said that American headquartered Plexus is serious about fighting cancer, hence the company run, which represents its corporate social responsibility.

It also donated RM20,000 to the Breast Cancer Foundation and Mount Miriam - Penang's sole cancer-devoted medical facility.

Plexus has about 10,000 employees of which 30% are foreigners.

It has five production and research facilities in Penang, where its chips, test equipment and devices cater for medical science, aviation and semiconductors.

Tan also anticipates that the global semiconductor market will enjoy higher demand by the second half of next year in line with the anticipated recovery in China. - The Vibes, November 6, 2023.