PETALING JAYA: In addition to local production of turkeys, imports of the poultry will be enough to meet increased demand during the Christmas season, says the Veterinary Services Department.
It said there is a stable supply of halal turkeys from 145 breeders and farms nationwide, which produced 10,010 birds last year, amounting to 50,050kg.
"The main domestic turkey producers are Penang, Johor, Kedah, Selangor, Negri Sembilan and Pahang.
"The country also imports turkeys to ensure sufficient supply, especially during Christmas," it said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 8).
The department added that an abattoir in Turkiye had been awarded halal certification until 2027 to process the meat.
Besides Turkiye, it said other potential source countries for turkey are Russia and the United States, but the two sources are pending risk assessment.
It also said temporary import restrictions have been imposed on poultry and poultry products, including turkey, from the United States as of July 20, 2022.
On Oct 4, The Star reported that the shortage of halal turkeys is once again ruffling feathers as hoteliers and restaurateurs try to get the roast fowl on their menus for the year-end festive season.
