July 21, 2022

Malaysian farmers' organisation ready to import chicken if required

Datuk Zamri Yaakob, chairman of Malaysia's National Farmers' Organisation (NAFAS), said they are prepared to import whole chicken from Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Thailand, the New Straits Times reported.

He said chicken suppliers from the four nations have been approved by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM).

Zamri said as the country has a limit on imports, they can bring in the supply whenever Malaysia needs it, adding that they only purchase chicken from vendors that have been approved by JAKIM, such as their two Brazilian vendors.

He said they have been asked by the government to provide 4,000 metric tonnes of chicken, but they will make ready half of the amount first if the need arises.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah, Malaysia's Deputy Agriculture and Food Industry Minister I, said previously that NAFAS and several its cooperatives had received special permission to import entire chicken.

But Zamri asserted that since the local supply of chicken had stabilised, there was no urgent need to import it.

-      New Straits Times