KUCHING, Feb 11: Prime Minister’s Special Envoy to China Dato Sri Tiong King Sing will be looking into importing frozen chicken from China to respond to current market demand following chicken supply shortage.
He said matters including costs and procedures for the frozen chicken import would be probed and compiled into a report as soon as possible for the review of Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Yakoob.
During an earlier meeting, Tiong said the prime minister showed grave concern on the issue of the recent chicken and egg supply shortage and is hoping to temporarily alleviate the shortage with limited imports while further optimising the domestic food supply structure.
Thus, Tiong called on the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant departments to explore some forms of assistance and subsidies for livestock farmers to help stabilise production and prepare for potential shocks in the future.
“Malaysia must also seriously consider developments in feedstock production for the benefit and stability of the domestic livestock industry so that they can reduce reliance on imported feed.
“Through this measure, some uncertainty in terms of cost control can be taken out of the market and improve the food industry supply chain as a whole.
“We need to understand the current difficulties and challenges faced by the industry and negotiate various win-win solutions, instead of resorting to outmoded measures such as fixing the market prices,” he said in a statement today.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, said setting price ceilings on products could lead to further backlash from suppliers who would rather cease sales to stop losses which would only worsen the shortage problems. — DayakDaily
