Terengganu: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) will increase the production of lower-priced special grade chicken eggs following the government’s decision to end egg subsidies beginning August 1, said its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He stated that this move aims to provide the public with more affordable egg options while helping to stabilize prices.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry plans to enhance the supply of cheaper special eggs akin to those sold during Ramadan, which were priced at RM5 per tray. Although the exact future pricing remains uncertain, Mohamad expressed confidence that prices will not rise uncontrollably. He shared these insights while attending Terengganu Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Aidilfitri Open House.
On April 30, KPKM announced the subsidy removal and stated that several intervention measures would be implemented jointly with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to minimize the impact on the people’s cost of living. Among these measures, the government has secured the industry’s commitment to introduce special grade eggs at reasonable prices.
Mohamad also highlighted other initiatives to provide competitively priced eggs nationwide, such as Jualan Agro MADANI and Jualan Rahmah. He further emphasized that the decision to end both the egg subsidy and price controls, along with the reduction in subsidy rate from RM0.10 to RM0.05 per egg effective May 1, was made through engagement with stakeholders. The removal was implemented in a “soft landing manner” to prevent abrupt changes in pricing.
In addition to egg production, Mohamad encouraged the cultivation of local young coconuts, especially aromatic varieties like pandan coconuts, in response to rising demand from China. He noted that this represents a significant economic opportunity, particularly for regions with vast land areas like Terengganu.
On April 19, Agriculture Department Director-General Datuk Nor Sam Alwi announced that the opening of the fresh coconut market to China under the Phytosanitary Requirements Protocol marks a strengthening of biosecurity measures and the establishment of a more systematic traceability element in quality young coconut production. Malaysia will primarily export young coconuts for fresh beverage consumption, with a focus on aromatic varieties like pandan coconuts, known for their unique fragrance and a brix sweetness level of around 6.7.