Govt studying call to lift export ban on chicken

The government is looking into a proposal to lift the ban on the export of chicken, says Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said poultry breeders had made an application to the government to review the ban on chicken exports.

"We will discuss it, and if we feel that exports can be allowed without affecting local supplies, maybe we can consider reviewing it.

"This is being discussed and (Agriculture and Food Industries Minister) Ronald (Kiandee) will provide the details on the amount of chicken output for next month. Will there be an effect if we allow exports?

"We fear that by allowing 3.6 million birds to be exported a month, the supply in the country will be affected. When the supply drops, prices will rise because demand exceeds supply. That’s why I asked Mafi (minister) to look into detail the chicken output projection for next month," he told reporters in Serdang yesterday.

The prime minister said the government would consider the interests of all parties and ensure that the people would not be adversely affected by its decision.

He said Mafi was expected to table its report on the projected chicken production next week.

The prime minister has also instructed the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry to prepare a list of goods which have become cheaper and those which have yet to see a drop in price.

"This is to enable the government to focus on reducing the prices of goods for the comfort of the people," he added.

On another matter, Ismail said the issue of the data breach which affected online payment gateway provider iPay88 Sdn Bhd would be discussed by the Cabinet.

"There are several proposals calling for an RCI (royal commission of inquiry) and so on. We will bring it to the Cabinet because it is a major issue," he said.