The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security recently announced that the supply of chicken and eggs in our country is enough to meet the high demand for the upcoming Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Its Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu assured the matter at a press conference after officiating the Agrotourism and Agroyouth Tour Programme in George Town Penang yesterday (25 February 2023).
According to BERNAMA, Mohamad Sabu revealed that he had held a discussion with poultry farmers about problems they faced, especially in regards to the lack of foreign workers. He asserted,
“Eggs and chicken supply are enough, we have already discussed with egg and poultry farmers. The shortage was caused by a lack of manpower, which is being rectified.”
“The government, with the cooperation of the Immigration Department, the police, and the Human Resources Ministry will facilitate the process so that operators can hire more workers,”
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister stressed that the relaxation in hiring workers was only in terms of facilitating the legalisation of foreign workers without permits. Besides that, he also elaborated that the rising prices of feed like soy and corn also affected supply.
Currently, corn and soy are still being imported because the corn grown in our country is not suitable for chicken feed. However, Mohamad Sabu said that Malaysia is already starting to grow suitable corn in Perlis. It is also being done on a large scale so that we don’t have to rely on import feed and as a measure of controlling chicken prices.
So, what do you guys think of the statement by Mohamad Sabu? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Also read: Wee Ka Siong Brings Local & Imported Eggs into Parliament to Talk About Prices & Sizes
