Chicken, egg prices rise as poultry farms face mounting pressures [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: Chicken and egg prices are on the rise due to poultry farms facing closure, according to industry players. The Federation of Livestock Farmers Associations of Malaysia stated that farms can meet domestic demand, but market supply has become very tight due to industry strain. Fly infestations, labor shortages, higher feed costs, and regulatory pressure are contributing to the closures.

Farm closures in Negri Sembilan, Perak, Penang, and Selangor have resulted in about 3.7 million live chickens being unable to operate. Some farms have been fined, while others have been allowed to reopen after making improvements. Complaints from communities about swarms of flies have led to enforcement actions, with some farms still unable to reopen even after closing earlier this year.

The shortage of pesticides and insufficient manpower have exacerbated the situation. Federation adviser Datuk Jeffrey Ng highlighted the challenge of adhering to zero-fly and zero-maggot conditions, emphasizing the need for more workers to meet these standards. The Agriculture and Food Security Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, announced that the ministry is reviewing industry feedback but acknowledged that state authorities, particularly local councils, have the authority to close down farms over fly complaints.