PETALING JAYA: The broiler and layer chicken industry is not happy that the Keluarga Malaysia maximum price control scheme (SHMKM) has been extended to Feb 4.

       Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations of Malaysia (FLFAM) said with the heavy pressure from former price controls on chickens and eggs, it is very likely that some parts of the industry, especially small- and medium-sized farms – which have suffered huge losses – will have to stop operating in coming months.

       “The rising cost of chicken and egg production is real and the industry is still suffering losses.

       “In addition, the industry is still waiting for financial assistance such as soft loans or feed cost subsidies from the government.

       “The continued loss of farmers’ income will affect the production of the cheapest source of protein in our country.

       “The authorities need to be concerned about the country’s food security,” the statement read.

       Earlier, it was reported that the scheme, which was supposed to end on Dec 31, had been extended until Feb 4 by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.

       The FLFAM hopes that the government will take action as soon as possible so that the industry will recover and continue the supply of chickens and eggs according to demand.

       “Provision of subsidies as compensation to producers will help cover the losses experienced by the farmers.

       “The government has to activate soft loans immediately to maintain the sustainability of the industry.

       “Shorten and do not extend maximum price control periods so that the industry is released from economic constraints and continues to operate according to the economic forces of supply and demand,” the statement read.