SERDANG: The government is looking into a proposal to lift the ban on chicken exports, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The Prime Minister said poultry breeders had made an application to the government to review the ban.
"We will discuss it and if we feel exports can be allowed without affecting local supply, we can consider reviewing it.
"This is being discussed and (Agriculture and Food Industries Minister) Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee will provide details on the chicken output for September.
"We fear that if we allow 3.6 million birds to be exported a month, supply in the country will be affected.
"When supply drops, prices will rise. That's why I asked the minister to look into chicken output projections for next month," he said.
He said this after visiting the Pahang Pavilion at the Malaysian Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition 2022 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang on Saturday (Aug 13).
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 the ministry was expected to table its report on 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 price drop.
"This is to enable the government to focus on reducing prices of goods," he added.
On another matter, Ismail Sabri said 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). We will bring it to the Cabinet because it is a major issue," he added. – Bernama
