ALOR SETAR: The poultry industry is currently returning to maximum production capacity so that the country does not face a lack of supply as experienced recently.

       Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said the country’s chicken production capacity reached 106% before the chicken supply shortage two to three months ago.

       "Earlier, production was so high that chicken could be exported, but due to several internal and external factors including disease, increased demand, lack of manpower and so on, the supply was disrupted.

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       "Maximum production is needed to meet the chicken consumption rate of 1.8 to two million birds a day before the chicken price can be floated according to the market from July 1," he said on Tuesday (June 21) when asked about the current chicken supply situation in the country.

       Earlier, he visited the chicken factory and farm owned by Bismi Empire Sdn Bhd near here to inspect the operations there and also to gather information directly from industry players on the issues and problems they faced.

       In the meantime, Kiandee said his ministry would be monitoring the chicken supply for the next two to three weeks to ensure it was sufficient before reviewing the ban on export.

       "In the last few weeks, the supply has stabilised. If the entire poultry industry can operate at the maximum level, there will be no shortage as before," he said.

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       On whether or not the price of chicken will increase when it is floated, he said it was expected to exceed RM8.90 per kilogramme after the government withdrew the subsidy to farmers.

       "With the floating concept, the price will go up according to (market forces). The subsidy will be withdrawn, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, and aid in the form of cash assistance would be directly channelled to the B40 group.

       "Even if the price of chicken goes up, the government will always monitor so that no party takes advantage to reap more profits," he added.

       He said the government was also allowing the import of live cattle to ensure enough supply for Aidiladha, but the animals must undergo quarantine as stipulated by the Veterinary Services Department. – Bernama