More Aggression in Imposition of Fines on Poultry Farms Urged

MALAYSIA - In a bid to tap into the European poultry market, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has urged veterinary service departments to be more aggressive in imposing fines on poultry farm owners that disregard cleanliness issues while processing the birds.
calendar icon 21 April 2014
clock icon 3 minute read

"From 839 registered poultry farms nationwide, 755 were graded A, B and C, while 52 were graded C and D.

"Another 24 were ordered to shut as they failed to meet the necessary criteria to operate a farm last year.

"The checks showed that cleanliness was among the major issues at the farms and it is also the main reason why we are unable to tap into the European market," he told reporters after the Poultry Industry negotiation ceremony at La Grandeur Palm Resort here recently.

According to The Star Online, he added that flies were aplenty at the farms, which could be a contributing factor to the country’s inability to enter the European poultry market.

Mr Yaakob said that although Malaysia is currently exporting poultry to some 40 countries, it is still unable to penetrate the European market as the farmers have yet to meet the standards imposed, especially the processing methods.

"If we can enter the European market, then we will be able to export our poultry to any other market worldwide," he said.

He also said that Johor was the largest poultry producer.

"In 2012 alone, the state exported 50 million hens worth RM500mil, 7.7 million ducks worth RM26.5mil and an astounding 363.3 million eggs worth RM102mil.

"Johor’s production of chicken and duck meat stood at 438,000 metric tonnes worth RM3bil and 3.5 billion chicken eggs worth RM1bil," added Mr Yaakob.

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