MANJUNG: Subsidy applications for poultry farms can still be made after the June 5 deadline, says Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.

       "I want to encourage industry players to come forward and apply for the allocated subsidy," the Agriculture and Food Industries Minister said on Tuesday (May 31).

       "Before this, several levels of approval were needed but we have shortened the procedure where the state government may give them approval and we will conduct a final check later," he said after visiting the Dinding Poultry Development Centre in Segari here.

       RM71mil in subsidies had been paid out so far, he added.

       It was reported that the period to apply for the subsidy for broiler and egg-producing hens was between Feb 5 and June 5.

       A total subsidy of RM729.43mil had been allocated under the Keluarga Malaysia Price Control Scheme since Feb 5.

       Kiandee said the ceiling price of standard chicken was still at RM8.90 per kg.

       "If we just leave it to market forces, it can go up to between RM10 and RM11 per kg," he said.

       He also said supermarkets nationwide were still able to meet demand for poultry.

       "Based on our checks 10 days ago, supermarkets are still providing between 1.8 million and two million birds daily.

       "The ministry will ensure that food supply is enough. In fact, we just had a Cabinet meeting where we listed several long-term and short-term actions to be taken that will allow all related industry players to have a stable supply," he added.

       COMPLI