MAFI has simplified the application procedure at the state and headquarters levels to expedite the payment of subsidies to poultry farmers.
According to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee, the application and review procedure implemented at three levels previously, namely district, state, and headquarters has been reduced to one level only, namely at the state level and only payment approval at the headquarters level.
“The approved subsidy payment is credited into the account of the successful breeder within three days only. MAFI is committed to ensure that the subsidy is implemented immediately by complying with the conditions set in order to benefit the farmers “explained Dr Ronald.
He said this after visiting the Chicken Processing Plant of Worldsign Industries Sdn. Bhd. in Rembau to see the continuity of operations in poultry factories to ensure smooth processing and packaging of poultry to meet local needs.
Also present on this visit, YBrs. Dr. Suratan bin Kamarudin, Deputy Director-General of Veterinary Services (Development) Malaysia and YBrs Tuan Mazlan bin Othman, Secretary of the Food Security Division, MAFI.
Breeders are required to submit only application forms and supporting documents such as sales invoices, Delivery Order for the purchase of chicks, and a copy of the contract agreement between the integrator/contract breeder (if applicable) to claim subsidies within the application period as prescribed. Subsidy application forms can be obtained from the official website of the Department of Veterinary Services, www.dvs.gov.my.
Dr Ronald said MAFI remained committed to ensuring that the poultry and egg industry remained sustainable and returned to full scale operations, especially with subsidies by the Government for production from 5th February 2022 to 5th June 2022 or throughout the implementation period of the Malaysian Maximum Family Price Scheme (SHMKM) to ease the burden. the farmers at the same time ensure that the supply of chickens and eggs in the market is always sufficient at a stable and affordable price.
A total of RM528.52 million has been provided by the Government for subsidies to poultry farmers. The subsidy rate so far is RM0.60/kg for broilers and RM0.05/seed for eggs in all categories involving private breeders, integrator/semi-integrator breeders and also contract breeders with an estimated 2,255 breeders enjoying this subsidy.
The provision of subsidies to poultry farmers is a temporary intervention in addressing rising production costs and at the same time to ensure the supply of poultry remains stable and ensure that the people can enjoy affordable prices for poultry and eggs. However, the Government also noted that although the subsidy has begun to be enjoyed by farmers but the cost of production continues to increase.
In April, the price of grain maize has increased further by 13.41% while the price of soybeans meal (SBM) has increased by 10.57% compared to March. This has resulted in the cost of chicken production on the farm has increased by 10.77%, from RM6.50/kg to RM7.20/kg.
Proactive actions will continue to be implemented by the Government to ensure the viability and sustainability of the poultry industry despite the country facing rising production input costs which is a global phenomenon.
At the same time, MAFI is also studying the need to extend the approval period for chicken import quotas by taking into account the assessment of the country’s supply needs. The Government has given permission to import chickens up to 10,000 metric tonnes per month from Government-recognized plants in Thailand, China and Brazil as a temporary intervention measure subject to set conditions. For now, the companies have been given quota approval for the period from December 2021 to May 2022 and will be stopped once the supply of round chicken in the country is sufficient.
