High demand, poultry disease among causes of insufficient chicken supply in S'gor, says exco rep

SHAH ALAM: The high demand for chicken during the festive season and the increase in the price of raw materials to produce chicken feed are among the factors that contribute to the shortage of the protein source in Selangor.

State Infrastructure, Public Utilities, Modernisation of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Izham Hashim (pic) said apart from that, a poultry disease also contributed to the insufficient chicken supply.

However, he said there have been no official reports on the matter.

“Following that a special meeting involving departments and agencies under the State Agricultural Modernisation and Basic Industry Committee will be held on Monday (May 23),” he said at the Hari Raya open house for the Kota Anggerik state constituency here Sunday (May 22).

Izham said he had also asked the state Veterinary Services Department (DVS) to contact all poultry suppliers and breeders in Selangor to check the status of the raw materials in the state.

Meanwhile, Izham said his office is also investigating whether Selangor is facing a shortage in the supply of imported chicken from Thailand and China which counts for about 60% of the supply in the state.

“The supply of chicken in Selangor before was not enough. Only 35% to 40% was locally sourced while the rest was imported. We need to look at both sides,” he said.

On Saturday (May 21), State Islamic Religious Affairs, Consumer Affairs and Halal Industry Committee chairman Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni said he would announce the latest developments on the issue of the alleged insufficient supply of chicken on Monday. - Bernama