KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) has voiced its support for the government's proposal to remove the subsidies for eggs.
Its president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the funds saved from these subsidies should be redirected toward initiatives that enhance the country's food security.
He said steps must be taken to reduce the cost of egg production, which can be achieved through the local production of chicken feed and other necessary inputs.
"By doing so, CAP believes that production costs can be significantly lowered, making egg production more viable for local breeders and producers," he said when contacted by the New Straits Times.
Additionally, Mohideen said there is a need to encourage local farmers to raise chickens in addition to growing padi or vegetables. He said government agencies should provide marketing outlets for these farmers, ensuring that their products reach consumers effectively.
He said CAP urged those who tend to overconsume eggs to practice moderation in their intake. He said this will contribute to a more sustainable demand for poultry products.
In June, Mohideen said the government's initiative to subsidise egg prices should be viewed as a temporary measure, given that long-term subsidies are not sustainable.
He said while CAP supported efforts to lower food prices, it urged the government to address Malaysia's deeper, long-standing food security challenges.
Earlier today, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the government is reviewing the removal of egg subsidies in the country.
He said savings for these subsidy cuts could be redirected to develop other critical aspects in agro-food sectors.
He said it was high time for the ministry to reevaluate the subsidy given for chicken eggs grade A, B and C.
The move, he said, was similar to the subsidy removal for chicken on Nov 1 last year, which had been deemed an unpopular decision.