THE government is aware of problems with chicken supplies, said the Federation of Livestock Farmers Associations of Malaysia president Tan Chee Hee.

He denied that a “boycott” by poultry processing factories was happening this weekend, as reported by several news portals, allegedly in response to delayed government subsidies to poultry farmers.

However, Tan did not explain why there was a shortage of chicken at wet markets this morning.

“There will be no boycott over the weekend. No such thing.

“The matter has reached the government and they know,” he said to The Malaysian Insight, but did not elaborate further.

Over the past few days, news reports have revealed plans by a chicken processing plant in Jasin, Malacca, to close for two days over the weekend.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, who was aware of the issue, said the factory told him its chickens had not reached the desired weight of 1.8kg.

The company concerned did not want to risk consumer complaints and other supply chain issues by selling chickens below weight.

Utusan Malaysia then reported that not just one but four poultry companies were planning to similarly cease output over the weekend.

Reports earlier today, based on visits to wet markets in Kuala Lumpur and Seremban, detailed chicken traders saying they expected to have no stock tomorrow and thus would be closing shop.

A trader interviewed also said chicken supplies had dropped steadily since Hari Raya earlier this month.

Disease has also been identified as another reason for the chicken shortage, according to Sinar Harian, which quoted Zainal Abidin, chairman of the Selangor Poultry Breeders Association, who said this was reported by association members.

Later this afternoon, Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Rosol Wahid said the government will be diverting surplus chicken from some states to others facing shortages, as a short-term solution.

Chicken supplies and prices have been affected by the Russia-Ukraine war, which has disrupted exports of corn, wheat and other imports used as chicken feed.

In Malaysia, the government has fixed the ceiling price for standard chicken at RM8.90/kg from since February until June 5. – May 21, 2022.