Clucking good: Hybrid turkeys seen in a cage in this file photo. The bird grows at a faster rate compared to local breeds. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Despite soaring demand, turkey meat is expected to be much cheaper this year compared to previous years, which will be a welcome relief for consumers ahead of the holiday season in two months’ time.
A local breeder of “Ayam Piru”, Muhammad Suffian Hashim, 34, said this was mainly due to many breeders now starting to rear local turkeys.
“Breeding turkeys is easier because they don’t fall sick easily.
“With proper vitamins and diet, turkeys can grow big and healthy,” he said in an interview.
Muhammad Suffian said the wholesale price of turkeys this year could drop to RM35 per kg.
“The retail price of the local bird has been at RM45 per kg for many years now,” said the breeder who has more than 10 years of experience.
He has already received orders for the year-end festivities, the majority of which are from regular clients, hotels and restaurants in Penang.
“Last year, I sold about 1,200 birds and I hope to do better this year.
“Sales are good usually during the festive periods like Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas,” he said.
Another local breeder, Mohd Fahmi Ismail, 29, said he too has received plenty of orders from his customers.
“All my clients want are big and healthy birds for the Christmas celebration,” he said.
“I have also received orders from a hotel in Penang and they insisted that the birds be slaughtered according to Islamic rites,” he said, adding that he has a certificate from the state Islamic authority to perform the slaughter.
On the halal certification, Mohd Fahmi said that as a small-time entrepreneur, he would struggle to obtain halal certification because of the cost.
“We must undergo proper training and prepare our premises for on-site inspection in order to receive certification from the Islamic Development Department (Jakim). The laboratory may also need to test our products.
“I am willing to get the certificate if it is affordable,” he said.
