July 18, 2022

Malaysia poultry imports get green light to boost chicken supply

The Malaysian government has approved and provided incentives to the country's National Farmers Organisation to import chickens and build a stockpile to ensure the needs of Malaysian consumers, Bernama reported.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI), said several cooperatives under the Farmers' Organizations Authority (LPP) have been given permission to import chicken from facilities in nations that have received Malaysian government licences and certifications.

He said the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM), the Malaysian Food and Industry Ministry, and the Ministry of Health must certify and recognise all chicken processing plants for export to Malaysia (MOH).

He also said there is no approved permit (AP) so anyone can import chicken, but they need to have an Import Permit (IP) issued by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis).

Ahmad said Malaysia has approved chicken plants from Thailand, China, Brazil, and the Netherlands to export chicken meat and chicken cuts.

He said by approving the move, the government is confident that it can create a mechanism that can meet the needs of consumers and the country will not face chicken shortage.

Earlier, the government was said to have authorised several firms chosen by MAFI to import frozen round chicken up to 10,000 metric tonnes per month, or 5.5 million birds.

-      Bernama