September 6, 2006

Malaysia's poultry exports to drop 6 percent for 2006

Malaysia's poultry imports are forecast to drop by 6 percent this year to 16,000 tonnes due to high domestic stocks, the USDA said.

Malaysia's poultry consumption of 38 kg per capita was one of the highest in the world. Poultry meat is the most popular and cheapest source of meat protein in Malaysia, largely because there are no dietary prohibitions or religious restrictions against it, unlike pork, which is banned in Islam, the predominant religion in the country.

The country was declared free of bird flu in late June, months after bird flu outbreaks were reported in duck farms in its northern state of Perak.

The growth of fast food outlets which only purchases halal certified poultry, have contributed considerably to chicken consumption in Malaysia.

The Malaysian broiler industry produces more than RM4 billion (US$1.1 billion) worth of broilers and eggs a year, and is regarded as the most successful segment of the livestock sector.

Exports of Malaysian poultry meat fell 46 percent in 2005, to 2,590 tonnes as Singapore, the largest market for Malaysian poultry exports, partially banned imports of Malaysian poultry following bird flu outbreaks there.