May 5, 2009
Malaysian state association eyeing Thai chicken imports
The Consumers Association of Kedah (Cake) would like the government to import chicken from Thailand to meet the state's rising demand.
Surveys conducted at the Alor Star Central Market found that chicken supply was insufficient due to an increase of demand from the Chinese community following the H1N1 flu panic, according to Cake President Datuk Yusoff Ismail.
The current price of a medium-size chicken, MYR5.90 per kg, may increase if the H1N1 situation prolongs and Malaysia's chicken production was unable to meet demand, he said.
It isn't difficult to ensure the quality and halal status of chicken from Thailand, where the issue of halal is seriously considered, Yusoff said, adding that the veterinary department can monitor Thai poultry processing plants.
Yusoff also said the government could implement a ceiling price to control extreme price increases as was done previously.
The government should abolish any monopoly of import permits of chicken and appoint a government-linked company to pursue poultry farming in Malaysia without involving the private sector, so that chicken prices will not burden the people, he said.
