PUTRAJAYA will halt the export of 3.6 million chickens a month from next month until poultry prices and production are stable, said Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said this short-term measure aims to tackle the issue of rising chicken prices.

Putrajaya earlier decided to scrap the approved permit (AP) for chickens so importers can provide more stock.

“The government understands that there are cartels controlling chicken prices and production,” Ismail Sabri said in a statement today.

“The Malaysia Competition Commission is currently investigating the matter and will complete its investigation by next month.

“The government will take legal action against any cartel.”

Media reported that Malaysians can expect a chicken shortage in the next few days as poultry farmers have stopped working due to a delay in government subsidy distribution.

A surge in broiler chicken and feed prices has caused a subsequent surge in chicken prices in recent months.

Utusan Malaysia reported that four poultry farms in Malacca stopped supplying chicken over the weekend following “a problem in the livestock farm”.

The cut in output is largely driven by the delay in distributing the promised 60 sen/kg subsidy, which is expected to cost the industry RM26 million.

Ismail Sabri said the cabinet has also agreed to abolish the AP for wheat today.

“All ministries are asked to list other AP that can be repealed to preserve the interest of Malaysians.

“The government will not compromise with any party that tries to affect the lives of the people.”

He said the government is creating chicken buffer stocks and optimising facilities, such as cold storages belonging to the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry (Mafi), to address the situation.

“We will also simplify the subsidy claim process and add recognised international slaughterhouses to increase chicken supply.”

Putrajaya will also reduce the role of middlemen who have been manipulating chicken supply and prices, he added.

“The government will bring back the ban on middlemen that was introduced in 2014.

“The National Farmers Organisation will be given the role to lead this ban.”

Ismail Sabri said some ministers suggested coconut and maize waste cultivation and palm kernel cakes to be used as an alternative to chicken feed.

“The cabinet also agrees to seek the cooperation of state agencies and government-linked companies to provide temporary occupation licence.

“Mafi and the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry have been asked to present the plans for corn planting projects and so on.”

The attorney-general, who also attended the meeting, advised the government to adopt the Enforcement of the Control of Supply Act 1961 (Act 122).

The Act states that if there is any activity of concealing, storing or sabotaging chicken supplies, action may be taken and the licence immediately cancelled.

Ismail Sabri said the government has requested both ministries to monitor and take action against any party who violates the Act.

Under the Act, companies can be fined up to RM2 million if found guilty, while individuals can be fined up to RM1 million and jailed up to three years if found guilty. – May 23, 2022.