Import Thai Chicken To Overcome Price Increase

ALOR STAR -- The Consumers Association of Kedah (Cake) would like the government to import chicken from Thailand to cater to the state's increasing demand.

Its president, Datuk Yusoff Ismail said, surveys by the association at the Alor Star Central Market found that supply of chicken was insufficient due to an increase in demand from the Chinese community, following the Influenza A (H1N1) epidemic.

He said the current price of a medium-size chicken, RM5.90 per kg, might increase, should the epidemic prolong and the country's production was unable to match demands.

"It isn't difficult to ensure the quality and halal status of chicken from Thailand because they have a movement which considers the issue of halal, and the veterinary department can monitor poultry processing plants there (Thailand)," he told reporters here Monday.

Yusoff said the government could implement a ceiling price to control extreme price increases, as was done previously.

"Cake feels that the government should abolish any monopoly of import permits of chicken and appoint a government-linked company (GLC) to pursue poultry farming in the country.

"The government can select a deserving GLC to take over management of the industry, without involving the private sector, so that the price of chicken does not burden the people," he added.