October 3, 2022

 

Malaysian chicken farmers won't boost production until lifting of export ban confirmed

 

 

Chicken farmers in Malaysia said they will not increase production for export to neighbouring Singapore until the lifting of the chicken export ban has been confirmed, The Straits Times reported.

 

Under the condition of anonymity, the farmers explained to The Straits Times that they fear the ban will be extended once more, leaving them with an excess of chickens and financial losses.

 

This implies that when the ban is eventually lifted, Singapore might not be able to immediately obtain a full supply of fresh chickens from Malaysia.

 

Malaysia first banned the export of chicken on June 1 due to a lack of domestic supply. There is currently no set end date for the ban, which was initially scheduled to be lifted in July but was postponed to August and then October.

 

A farmer who primarily sells to customers abroad said they have been kept in the dark and are unsure of what will occur when, adding that farmers are already considering how to move operations to Indonesia because they no longer believe in the government's promises.

 

About 3.6 million chickens per month were exported from Malaysia to Singapore, covering a third of the chicken market in Singapore.

 

After the ban, Indonesia was permitted to export frozen, chilled, and processed chickens to Singapore in June by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Indonesia has considered establishing farms in Batam to export fresh chickens to Singapore.

 

Before beginning exports to Singapore, Malaysian farms must receive approval from the nation's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries.

 

In July and August, farmers increased their output in anticipation of the end of the ban. But the surplus was sold at a loss.

 

Farmers looking to resume exporting are now being more cautious, according to Lau Ka Leng, secretary of the Johor Poultry Breeders Association. He said they are awaiting a definite date.

 

The SFA has approved 115 Malaysian chicken farms for export of live chickens to Singapore. 91 of these farms are located in Johor state.

 

-      The Straits Times