PUTRAJAYA: The government subsidy for chicken eggs grades A, B and C is being reviewed, says Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic).
Up to RM100mil could be saved by the move and redirected to develop other critical aspects in the agro-food sector, he said.
“A proposal has been submitted to the Finance along with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living ministries,” he told the media after his ministry’s monthly assembly, reported Bernama.
Also present at the assembly yesterday were Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.
The country has spent more than RM3bil since February 2022 in subsidies for chicken and chicken eggs, he said.
The subsidy for chicken was terminated on Nov 1 last year, following which the supply and price of chicken became more stable.
“When we took the unpopular decision of ending the chicken subsidy, many people belittled our efforts saying the price of chicken would soar. After the subsidy was terminated, the price of chicken no longer soared, and more importantly, the country benefited by saving RM100mil a month,” he said.
Separately, he said seven enforcement agencies under his ministry would be merged to enhance regulation within the agro-food sector.
The agencies involved are Kawalselia Padi dan Beras (KPB), Quarantine and Inspection Services (Maqis), the Agriculture Department, Veterinary Services Department (DVS), Fisheries Department, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) as well as the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM).
Mohamad said the reform proposal would be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a meeting on Nov 1.
“The reform efforts undertaken by the ministry focus on improvement and future of the industry,” he said.
Mohamad, also known as Mat Sabu, said the merger would involve 2,030 enforcement officers and 14 Acts to ensure more optimal enforcement and to effectively address issues of leakage and smuggling.
He also said administrative reforms would soon be implemented at the Farmers’ Organisation Authority and the National Farmers’ Organisation.
Mohamad also said there would be separation of powers among relevant agencies along with new regulations to strengthen the country’s padi and rice sector.
