KUALA LUMPUR: If the egg shortage issue is not resolved soon, the government might be facing a barrage of criticism as Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri draw near, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam).
Dr Wee pointed out in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 22) that shortages and losses ensued after egg farmers were affected by the implementation of a ceiling price.
Dr Wee also noted that chicken and egg prices are only expected to be floated after June 30.
“The issue will persist and as Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri are coming, we don’t want the government to be criticised (if there are not) enough eggs,” he said during Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu’s winding-up speech.
The MCA president then brought out three different eggs, one from India, a locally-produced regular egg, and an Omega 3-enriched egg.
“We can see the differences in sizes. This egg from India costs 50 sen, and is much smaller than the Malaysian eggs.
“Omega eggs cost 76 sen,” said Dr Wee.
Dr Wee then asked if a subsidy of 10 sen would be given for each egg.
“We want to send the message that the government is able to deal with the egg crisis," he added.
“The Statistics Department stated that egg production costs 45 sen per egg. Till June this year, who will bear the losses?” he asked.
In response, Mohamad said the government is still providing a 10 sen subsidy for each egg until June.
“After that, there will be a study.
“Imported eggs are just a temporary measure and we want to ensure local egg supplies are adequate,” he said.
At present, imported eggs from India are sold at 50 sen each and local eggs at 41 sen due to price controls.
Dr Wee also pointed out that many local egg farmers are sustaining losses as production costs are higher than the controlled prices.
@drweekasiong Saya membangkitkan tentang isu telur ayam ketika YB Menteri Pertanian dan Keterjaminan Makanan menjawab Perbahasan Titah Diraja di #DewanRakyat petang ini. ———————— I also raised the egg issue when the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security was replying on the debate of the Royal Address at Dewan Rakyat this afternoon. #ParlimenMalaysia #P148AyerHitam #weecare ♬ original sound - DrWeeKaSiong
