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KUALA LUMPUR – The government will no longer provide subsidies to chicken breeders from July 1, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said the subsidy will instead be channelled directly to the people, who are in need of assistance, adding that this was aimed at ensuring they are not burdened by the rise in chicken prices.
Ismail Sabri said that previously, to ensure chicken prices were not increased, the government had provided subsidies to breeders so that the price would remain stable at RM8.90 per kg, as it could reach RM12 per kg if the price was floated.
“The government spends RM720 million to ensure the price of chicken is not increased. However, many of the breeders do not demand subsidy payments and various issues are raised,” he said in his speech at the BN Convention at the World Trade Centre here today.
However, he said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and the Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee would announce the details later.
He said the government was also carrying out various actions to ensure sufficient food supply and stable prices.
One of the measures is to encourage activities in the agrofood industry, including chicken breeding and planting of corn, by setting up a RM500 million fund consisting of soft loans to industry players.
“We will also identify farmers’ organisations or cooperatives involved in agrofood projects to be given financial aid.
“The government will also create a buffer stock for chicken, fish and meat. The government is studying the tax incentives to be given to agrofood industry players,” he said.
Ismail Sabri said the government would also stop the export of chickens to help overcome the country’s shortage. – Bernama, June 1, 2022