Government to import eggs-tra eggs - Mat Sabu

SHAH ALAM - Chicken eggs will be imported from outside sources as a short-term plan to ensure the continuous supply of eggs in the domestic market.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamed Sabu said the move was to not to put pressure on local industries but safeguard the domestic supply of eggs for the wellbeing of the people.

" The need to bring eggs from external sources would be reviewed once the egg supply stabilises.

"I have asked the ministry's chief secretary to look into the impact of importing eggs on the local egg industry and for Agrobank to submit a suggestion to aid suppliers and small businesses so that they would remain competitive in the industry," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

It was reported that Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub admitted the country was facing a lack of eggs supplied in the market.

He said the lack of egg stocks had caused some worries among the people in addition to stunting economic growth because many businesses required the raw material.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday was reported to gently chastice Mohamad following the lack of eggs supplied in the market.

Mohamad said the ministry will continue to work using various methods to ensure the country's egg supply was stable and at competitive prices.

"The ministry is confident that the issue of the lack of egg supply will be able to be resolved as soon as possible with the cooperation of various parties," he said.

The Kota Raja MP confirmed that all the imported eggs have met the standards set by the government and are safe from diseases.