Govt to continue subsiding chicken, eggs

The government will continue providing subsidies to chicken breeders and egg producers.

According to a joint statement by the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the decision was made to ensure the chicken and egg industries continue to be resilient while at the same time ensure the rakyat's welfare.

"After taking into account all aspects, including to ensure the resilience of the chicken and egg industries, and ensure the welfare of the rakyat, Prime Minister (Anwar Ibrahim) has agreed with the ministries' suggestion for subsidies and ceiling price for chicken and eggs to be continued from July 1, 2023," the statement said.

On Feb 4, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu reportedly said that the prices of chicken and eggs were expected to be floated after June.

This, he said, was part of the government’s efforts to overcome food shortage.

According to the minister, the prices would be floated so that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry could monitor and assess the fluctuations in the prices of the goods compared to the current ceiling price.

A week later, the ministry in a statement said that the cabinet had agreed to continue subsidies for chicken eggs until June, while a study on targeted subsidies is being carried out.

"This step is being taken to ensure that the supply of chicken eggs in the country remains stable, while the study on the mechanism and policy of targeted subsidies can be finalised soon," the ministry reportedly said. - Mkini