Egg shortage in Johor due to external demand, exports - Exco

ISKANDAR PUTERI - The inadequate supply of eggs in the market in Johor is not critical but is due to increased demand in Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, as well as exports to Singapore.

State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said Johor is one of the largest egg producers in the country.

"The supply is inadequate but not critical, and this is due to exports and increased demand in Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

"However, there is no decrease in production,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the State Assembly sitting here today.

In the meantime, the Buloh Kasap assemblyman said the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) and agropreneur associations have advised that the supply of food involving seafood and crops is adequate despite the drop in harvest, mainly due to the monsoon last month.

"According to the information, there are indeed fewer fish landings due to various factors, such as fewer fishermen going to sea, but based on the demand recorded in the last monsoon season, the available supply is sufficient.

"The same goes for agricultural products like vegetables as there are some farms affected by heavy rains, but that is not affecting demand for now,” he said.

Zahari further said that he is arranging a meeting with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu to discuss agriculture issues in Johor soon.

"Johor also needs the federal government’s cooperation to implement the various planned initiatives such as the Johor food agenda and the black pepper valley.

"So we hope the meeting can be effective in ensuring food security not only in Johor but also Malaysia,” he said. - BERNAMA