SHAH ALAM: The unpredictable weather is among the factors that have contributed to the shortage of chicken eggs, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah.

       The Deputy Agriculture and Food Industries Minister said the weather had also affected crops, as well as fish and livestock production.

       Ahmad said other contributing factors were the recent floods and the increase in the price of imported chicken feed.

       “If we look at the chicken egg production trend (in previous years), January will see a reduction in egg production but it will increase in February,” he said after opening the Selangor Farmers’ Association 44th annual general meeting here on Wednesday night.

       He was commenting on a report over the shortage of chicken eggs in the country.

       Ahmad, however, did not deny that there were also retailers who were found to have controlled and increased the price of chicken eggs.

       “We will work with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to monitor the situation,” he said. — Bernama