A LARGE shipment of chicken eggs from India arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) this morning as the Government beefs up import measures to counter shortages of the item in Malaysia.
In a statement, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said it has brought in chicken eggs from foreign countries to cover the lack of supply the country has been facing for the past few months, The Vibes reported.
The ministry allowed the entry of chicken eggs from India by air in a trial phase to ensure that the imported items meet all the standards set, it said.
The ministry through the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) and the Veterinary Services Department (DVS) is undertaking control of the entry of imported chicken eggs upon arrival through the hold, test, and release (HTR) system.
This includes the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing for detection of salmonella bacteria, Newcastle disease, and avian influenza.
“The testing carried out is to ensure that the people receive imported chicken eggs that are safe, clean, halal and free from all diseases while protecting the country’s livestock industry,” the statement said.
“All protocols and procedures set by the government have also been followed without compromise.”
The statement further noted that the tests carried out by MAQIS and DVS found that the imported chicken eggs are free of all diseases, safe, and comply with all standards set for use in the national market.
“Accordingly, the ministry agreed to grant temporary permission for the entry of chicken eggs from outside sources and this permission will be reviewed when the domestic egg supply stabilises,” it said.
However, the Ministry acknowledged that the initiative to bring in eggs from outside sources is not to pressure local chicken egg industry operators, but rather to ensure sufficiency the supply of domestic eggs at competitive prices in line with the wishes of the government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. – Dec 16, 2022
Main photo credit: The Vibes
