KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 – In a session at the Dewan Rakyat on March 14, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu reassured lawmakers that the supply of chicken in Malaysia remains stable, contributing to the steady pricing of this essential protein source for Malaysians. Mohamad Sabu referenced monitoring conducted by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), indicating that the average price of chicken at farms across the peninsula has remained consistent over the past four months, ranging from RM5.85 to RM6.39 per kilogram.
Responding to a query from Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru) about potential price hikes or supply shortages following the removal of subsidies and price controls, Mohamad Sabu affirmed that the government intends to continue subsidies and price controls for grade A, B, and C eggs, utilizing the existing mechanism. Any policy adjustments, he noted, would consider various factors, including current supply trends. When pressed further about potential import restrictions using the Approved Permit (AP) mechanism to prevent dumping, Mohamad Sabu indicated that such decisions would depend on market conditions. He also expressed optimism about price stability, particularly with recent stability in the prices of imported corn and soy, and a gradual strengthening of the Malaysian ringgit.
