KUALA LUMPUR: The government has reiterated its stance that it does not hide anything behind its decision to award a contract to a local company on egg importation from India.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the local company, J&E Advance Tech Sdn Bhd was the only Malaysian company granted the award to import eggs from the country.
"You can check and see who the chairman is. This is 'abang mat' lah, I am not hiding anything, (in fact) I will reveal everything," he said during his winding-up speech on the 2023 Supply Bill in Dewan Rakyat, today.
He added that the award given to the company was not through an open tender as the long-standing issue of egg shortage required immediate action by the government.
"We (used) to export eggs five to six years back. However, the Covid-19 situation affected the process and the government issued approved permits to import food from abroad for a short term.
"However, we are strengthening our efforts and holding several engagements with egg suppliers to pile up the (egg) stock in the nearest time, particularly during Eid.
"With a smooth procedure, we hope there will be no more major disasters (happening) in the country (so) things can return to normal," he said.
Last month, Mohamad said the government would only import eggs from India until local supplies stabilise.
He said the measure was taken because local producers were unable to meet the demand which resulted in shortage of eggs in the market.