The Cabinet of Ministers have agreed that restrictions on the export of live commercial broilers should be relaxed in phases.
Effective Oct 11 (Tuesday), the export restrictions will be lifted on 50% of the total produce or 1.8 million chickens per month out of a total set limit of 3.6 million chickens.
This decision was taken following the supply of chicken in the local market which began to stabilise in the third quarter of this year with an average excess production rate of 1.8 million heads per month.
The Agriculture and Food Industry Ministry (MAFI) through the Department of Veterinary Services
(DVS) and the Department of Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) will continue to closely monitor chicken supply in the country as well as the implementation of live chicken exports
which will involve almost 100 exporting breeders.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee, in a statement today (Oct 10), said each farm has been given an export quantity limit based on planning data submitted and based on monthly chicken production projections that need to be adhered to.
In cases where non-compliance is found, the export authorisation for the particular farm or breeder will be suspended.
Exporting farms are also not allowed to claim subsidies for chicken production for the export market as subsidies are specific to ensure availability and the continued supply of local chickens at a reasonable price for Malaysians, he added.
At the same time, an export ban for round chickens, chicken cuts and (DOC) day-old broilers still remain in force.
Physical control at all exit points will continue to be implemented by MAQIS.
The decision to allow the full export of chicken commodities will be made subject to the position of chicken supply in the local market as well as production at the farm level.
The ban on the export of chicken commodities made by the Government since June 1, 2022 was temporary in nature to guarantee the availability of chicken supply in the local market. The government continues to be committed to ensuring that the country’s chicken production remains at an optimal level while maintaining the international market segment.
This is the Government’s focus with the main objective to maintain the sustainability of the chicken industry in order to remain sustainable and strong towards ensuring the national food security is guaranteed for the well-being of Keluarga Malaysia, said the minister.
