PUTRAJAYA: The government is reviewing a removal of egg subsidies in the country.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the savings for these subsidy cuts could be redirected to develop other critical aspects in agro-food sectors.
"It is time for the ministry to reevaluate the subsidy given for chicken eggs grade A, B and C," he said in his speech at the ministry's monthly assembly today.
Also in attendance were his deputy minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup and ministry secretary-general,Datuk Seri Isham Ishak.
Mohamad later told reporters that removing subsidies for eggs may provide savings of up to RM100 million to the country.
He said a proposal to remove the egg subsidy has been submitted to the Finance Ministry and Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
"A proposal has been submitted for consideration. If it is approved, we could end the subsidies," he said.
The government spent over RM900 million last year for chicken egg subsidies.
He cited a similar move with the subsidy removal for chicken in November 1 last year, which had been deemed an unpopular decision.
"When we made the unpopular decision to end the chicken subsidy, many criticised it, claiming chicken prices would skyrocket.
"Alhamdulillah, after the subsidy was removed, chicken prices did not soar, and more importantly, the country saved RM100 million a month from the termination of the chicken subsidy."
He noted that the government's decision to end the chicken subsidy last year had proven successful, with chicken prices and supply in the market remaining stable until now.
"When I first took office, the country was facing a shortage of chickens and eggs. Now, chicken farmers are complaining to me that prices are too low.
"Alhamdulillah, thanks to the hard work of everyone here, we no longer hear complaints from the public about the lack of chicken and egg supplies in the market."
Meanwhile, Mohamad announced that the ministry will establish a special committee to examine the Self-Sufficiency Rate (SSR) for meat to address the shortage of this food supply.
He said the committee will be led by Isham.
"The SSR for meat remains below 20 per cent, and to ensure sufficient meat supply as outlined in the National Agro-Food Policy 2021-2030, a special committee will be formed to address this matter," he said.