In a further sign of growing global food shortages and supply chain issues, Malaysia halted chicken exports this month until local production and soaring costs stabilise.(File pic shows a chicken mrket in Malaysia.)
JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities hope to reach an agreement with Singapore to start exporting chickens within weeks, according to officials, as the city-state scrambles to find alternative supply sources after Malaysia restricted sales.
In a further sign of growing global food shortages and supply chain issues, Malaysia halted chicken exports this month until local production and soaring costs stabilise.
The move had a knock-on impact in Singapore with restaurants and street stalls hiking prices of its de facto national dish, chicken rice.
Susiwijono Moegiarso, a senior official at Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry of Economic Affairs, said authorities had conducted “technical discussions” with Singapore and hoped exports could start this month.
The Singapore Food Agency said in a statement it was “working closely” with Indonesian authorities over accreditation of the country as a potential source of chicken imports.
Indonesia produces 55 million to 60 million birds per week, with a surplus of around 15% to 20% after domestic consumption, according to Achmad Dawami, the chairman of the Indonesian Poultry Breeders’ Association.
Exports to Singapore, which has an estimated demand of 3.6 million to four million birds per month, could help close the gap, Dawami said. — Reuters
