Malaysia to halt export of 3.6 million chickens a month from June 1 to address domestic shortage, rising prices

KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian government will halt the exports of some 3.6 million chickens a month from June 1 in a bid to address the surging prices and shortage of chickens in the country.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob made the announcement on Monday (May 23) following a Cabinet meeting on chicken supply issues in the country as well as the rising prices of essential goods there.

“The government regrets and is disappointed with the actions of some companies that stopped the supply of chicken, causing an increase in prices and lack of supply in the market.

“As a short-term measure, the Cabinet meeting (on May 23) has made several resolutions on the issue of supply as well as chicken prices at present,” said Mr Ismail Sabri in a statement.

He added: “The government’s priority is our own people.”

Mr Ismail Sabri said that the Malaysian government would also create a buffer stock of chicken, and will optimise the use of cold storage facilities that are owned by the ministry of agriculture and food industries.

Besides that, Mr Sabri added that the government would simplify the subsidy claims processes for chicken producers and increase the number of slaughterhouses overseas to increase the supply of chicken.

The approved permit for importing whole and cut chicken will also be abolished so as to increase the food supply.

He noted that the authorities are aware of reports that there are cartels controlling prices and chicken production among the larger companies and have tasked the Malaysian Competition Commission to investigate the issue.

According to data from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Singapore imports about one-third of its chicken supply from Malaysia. Chicken is also the most widely consumed meat in the Republic, with a per capita consumption of 36kg in 2020.

In a statement on its Facebook page on Monday night, the SFA said that it is closely monitoring the situation on imports from Malaysia and working with stakeholders, such as importers to minimise the impact on our chicken supply.

It stressed that while there may be temporary disruptions to the supply of chilled chicken, frozen chicken options remain available to mitigate the shortfall.

“We strongly encourage consumers to play their part by being open to switching choices within and across food groups (such as consuming frozen chicken instead of chilled) as well as other sources of meat products. We also advise consumers to buy only what they need,” said SFA. AGENCIES