BAGAN DATUK: The government will review the need to continue providing subsidies to chicken breeders and egg producers in June, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said so far, a total of RM1.8bil in subsidies had been allocated for breeders and producers involved and is expected to exceed RM2bil by June.
"By June, we would have conducted a study on whether to continue subsidies or other methods to ensure that the price of the raw material is stable again.
"If they are stable, then why is there a need to continue with subsidies? It can be channelled to other places that are more in need," he said at a press conference after launching the 'Program Malaysia Madani: Perikanan Cukup dan Terjamin' in Hutan Melintang here on Saturday (Feb 18).
In another development, he said his ministry had asked the Veterinary Services Department to carry out detailed checks on eggs imported from India to ensure quality levels meet the stipulated standard.
"The department will carry out inspections immediately and all feedback regarding the matter will be relayed to the ministry," he said.
On Friday (Feb 17), the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) deputy secretary-general Nur Asyikin Aminuddin urged the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to ensure that eggs imported from India are properly checked to avoid the sale of low-quality and expired eggs.
Earlier, Mohamad visited QL Foods and Leng Wah Fishery to observe the production of marine food products. – Bernama
