THE government will review the need to continue giving subsidies to chicken breeders and egg producers in June, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu said.

He said, so far, a total of RM1.8 billion in subsidy had been allocated for the breeders and producers involved and it is expected to exceed RM2 billion by June.

“By June, we will conduct a study on whether to continue with the subsidy or other methods to ensure that the price of the raw material is stable again. 

“That is what we are looking into. If the price is stable, is there a need to continue with the subsidy? The money (subsidy) can instead be channelled to other areas with more pressing needs,” he told a media conference after launching a programme in Bagan Datuk today.

In another development, he said his ministry has asked the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) to carry out detailed checks on eggs imported from India to ensure the quality level meets the stipulated standard. 

“The DVS will carry out inspections immediately and all feedback regarding the matter will be relayed to the ministry,” he said.

Yesterday, Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations deputy secretary-general Nur Asyikin Aminuddin urged the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to always ensure eggs imported from India are properly checked to avoid the sale of low-quality and expired eggs.

Earlier, Mohamad visited QL Foods and Leng Wah Fishery to observe the production of marine food products. – Bernama, February 18, 2023.