CHICKEN PRODUCERS TOLD TO TEAM UP
Country’s halal standard supposed to give it an edge in exports, says Zahid
CHICKEN producers must team up to boost production and intensify exports to enter the global market and strengthen the country’s food security.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Malaysia was a net exporter of chicken, producing 1.5 million birds a day with a value of RM10 billion a year. But only seven per cent of the produce was sold overseas.
“Malaysia’s chicken production has a self sufficiency of 182 per cent and yet, producers are not exporting enough.
“I want all chicken producers, especially those listed in Bursa Malaysia, to team up and boost exports to 30 per cent by 2030.
“They should also work together to beef up food security in the country,” Zahid said at the opening of the HyFresh chicken processing facility here yesterday .
Zahid said although Malaysia was a net exporter of chicken in Asean, the country still could not dominate the halal market.
“Malaysia’s halal certification is among the most recognised and sought after in the world, but we are not among the top producers of halal chicken.
“Many countries, such as Japan and South Korea, seek halal certification for their products from Malaysia, and they want halal products from Malaysia to be promoted at their international events.”
Zahid said the international community knew halal food was not just for Muslims with its own standard, but for all.
Zahid said producers must work together to import chicken feed, which could be expensive due to currency fluctuations.
“I know the cost of imported corn is expensive, but by hedging their cost, producers can save in the long term. I was involved in the industry, so I know,” he said.
Zahid also commended the HyFresh management for successfully shortening its chicken production time from 90 to 30 days.