SERDANG: The current chicken supply shortage is expected to be resolved in a month, says Veterinary Services Department (DVS) director-general Datuk Dr Norlizan Mohd Noor.

       He also said the supply would be enough to meet demand during the Hari Raya Haji celebration next month.

       He said this was following intervention and inter-agency engagement sessions involving industry players to find out the main problems related to chicken supply.

       "They are committed to increasing production. We are in the recovery process," Norlizan told reporters after the 2022 National World Veterinary Day celebrations here Saturday (June 4).

       From these engagement sessions, it was found that the shortage was influenced by several factors, such as climate change, disease, lack of workers and the use of open cages and unscheduled chicken vaccinations, he said.

       According to Norlizan, almost 80% of chicken breeders in the country use open poultry houses, which are exposed to odour and fly pollution, and only a few of them use the enclosed chicken coop system with optimal technology.

       Meanwhile, Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, also confirmed the situation is gradually improving.

       "This thing (chicken supply) is temporary. The government is doing its best to ensure there is no shortage of chicken," she added.

       Earlier in her speech, Haslina said the ministry, through the DVS, had formulated various strategies to take care of animal welfare, including curbing livestock diseases and ensuring that the food supply from animal products is always sufficient.

       She added the government has agreed to set up the National Ruminant Board to further boost the industry's growth, especially in enhancing the country's beef and dairy production. – Bernama