Egg supply down, minister calls for boost in production

 

Alexander Nanta Linggi (right) inspecting eggs on sale during his visit to the Segi Fresh supermarket in Batu Caves today. (Facebook pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Egg producers have been told to increase production to ensure sufficient supply in the domestic market.

Domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Alexander Nanta Linggi, who made an inspection at a supermarket in Batu Caves, said egg supply had gone down.

The supermarket owner had also confirmed the matter, saying he had difficulty in obtaining supplies because producers were exporting Grade A, B and C eggs, thus reducing domestic supply.

Nanta said the producers should have integrity and must live up to their responsibilities after the government provided them with additional subsidies.

“The government, through the agriculture and food industries ministry, is fulfilling its responsibility by increasing subsidies to farmers from three sen to eight sen per egg because production costs have increased.

“The subsidy given for breeders is also to ensure that the price remains at the maximum price set by the government for Grade A, B, and C eggs.”

Nanta, in a Facebook post, said he would ensure that consumers’ welfare and needs were taken care of.

Commenting on supply during the Deepavali celebration, he said chicken and cooking oil supplies were satisfactory and the selling prices were in line with the maximum prices set by the government.

He said the list of items under the Deepavali price control scheme would be announced later. - FMT