THE Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will send surplus stock of chicken in the market to states facing a shortage as a short-term solution.

Its deputy minister, Rosol Wahid, said it is hoped that the move will allay consumers’ concerns as chicken supply has fallen short in several states due to the closure of poultry farms by several companies.

“This alternative will be done according to the ministry’s capacity to identify the areas that are severely affected. For example, (if) a shortage occurs in Perlis, we will cover it with the surplus stock from Penang,” he said.

“Actually, based on the report we received from the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry, the total chicken production is around 66 million heads per month while the normal consumption rate is around 60 million and the demand will increase slightly during the festive season.”

Rosol said this to reporters after inspecting the Keluarga Malaysia Sales Programme in Kuala Berang, Terengganu today. 

On the closure of several poultry farms believed to be stricken by growth problems and diseases, Rosol said the ministry’s enforcement officers had monitored and conducted investigations at the farms.

“We did not simply accept letters from the companies involved, but instead, we went down to the field to investigate the problems raised,” he said.

“Our officers went to the farms to see for themselves the problem and there was also photo evidence that the chickens were indeed sick. They weighed only around one to 1.2kg and were not suitable for the local market.” 

He also said stern action will be taken under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 if there is any manipulation to disrupt the stability of chicken supply in the market.

Meanwhile, in PERAK, Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad gave an assurance that chicken supply in the state is still sufficient and that there will be no supply crisis like in other states.

“What happened in other states will not happen in Perak. We are in direct contact with poultry farmers, who guarantee to supply chicken as usual to the people of Perak,” he said at his Raya open house in Lenggong today.

“In fact, I have given the state exco the responsibility to provide information and reports at the weekly meeting on any latest development.” – Bernama, May 21, 2022.