KUALA LUMPUR – Imported chicken supply is certified safe, halal and has quality, in the efforts to temporary overcome the supply shortage in the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Industries, Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee said that all imported chickens are sourced from processing plants recognised by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Ministry of Health (MOH).
“No issues (meat cartel). Malaysia has been importing (chicken) for a very long time from the plants recognised by the government,” he answered the journalist’s question on the public concerns over the halal status of imported chickens after the government announced the approval to import frozen chicken of up to 10,000 metric tonnes or 5.5 million of chickens per month beginning this month until February next year.
The measure was taken after the fresh chicken retail price rose between RM9.20 to RM10.80 since October, causing the consumers to lament about the price hike.
On a relevant development, Ronald said that the government encourages online businesses as a platform to reduce middlemen.
He said, the middlemen only act as manipulators of prices, and it could contribute to the cause of the rising food supply prices in the country.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the role and need for middlemen is hard to abolish as they have connections to the farmers, fishermen and breeders.
“If we do it thoroughly, online business approach may reduce the influence of middlemen. So, the farmers, breeders and fishermen need to be ready to market their products via this platform.
“MAFI encourages the development of private companies and online platforms, not only for the business to business transactions but also from business to consumers,” he said. -MalaysiaGazette
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