February 18, 2022

Malaysia anticipates supplies of chicken and egg to stabilise in four months

Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) anticipates chicken and egg supplies to stabilise over the next four months to meet local demand after the government provided incentives and subsidies to poultry industry players, Bernama Malaysia reported.

Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, Agriculture and Food Industries Minister, said the incentives and subsidies would ease the burden of the poultry sector facing soaring production costs such as for raw materials.

He said a new subsidy is being discussed with the industry, adding that the ministry has organised engagement sessions with entrepreneurs and farmers to provide assurances to boost chicken and egg production and meet local demand.

Ronald said the government's decision to permit whole chicken imports was temporary to address the supply shortage in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government is providing a subsidy of MYR 0.60 (~US$0.14; MYR 1 = US$0.24) per kg to poultry farmers based on the live chicken price of MYR 5.90 (~US$1.41) per kg and the retail price of standard chicken at MYR 8.90 (~US$2.13) per kg. The government is also providing a MYR 0.05 (~US$0.012) subsidy for each egg from all categories. Both subsidies will be implemented until June 4, 2022.

-      Bernama