KUCHING, Oct 30: Sarawak is considering importing chicken to stabilise the market price if it reaches an excessive level, says Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
According to a news report from Bernama, Dr Rundi, who is Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Sarawak (M-Ficord), said although the recent announcement by the federal government might result in the higher retail price of chicken in the State, the ministry would continue to monitor the floating chicken prices to protect the interest of consumers.
“The price will increase according to the cost of production as the government no longer gives subsidies to prevent losses to poultry farmers, and it will be determined by supply and demand,” he was quoted by Bernama as saying.
Earlier today, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced that the government has agreed to discontinue subsidised and price control for chicken starting Nov 1.
He explained that the rationality of the decision is to lower the leakage of subsidies, which foreigners and high-income groups also enjoy. — DayakDaily
