September 27, 2007

Malaysia may import chicken to address shortage during festive season 

Malaysia may need to import chickens from neighbouring countries if the poultry shortage continues, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said September 26.

He said the government would be forced to bring in imported chicken if poultry farmers could not provide adequate supply to meet higher demand during the festive season. Malaysia, a largely Muslim country, is currently celebrating the month of Ramadan, which involves fasting during the day and eating at night. The breaking of fasts usually involve generous meals.

If supply drops by 10 percent in the market, the contingency plan would be activated to to ease the situation," Muhyiddin told said, adding that the government is currently monitoring poultry supply.

Although poultry breeders associations have assured that there would be enough chickens to go around, the government must ensure supply and see that the chickens are sold at the fixed ceiling prices, he said.

Malaysia's imposition of a fixed ceiling price for chickens has caused much unhappiness among poultry producers facing rising feed costs.

If poultry breeders fail to meet demand, they cannot stop the government from bringing in external supplies, he said.

He further added that Malaysia is open to fish imports should there be a shortage in the fishing sector as well.