This number is expected to satisfy the needs of 3.4 million people in the state, New Straits Times reports.

Johor Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Committee chairman Ismail Mohamad said agreements have been made with local breeders to supply the chickens and solve the shortage problem.

"The local supply from breeders here will cater to the domestic needs, thus there will not be a necessity to import chicken," he said during a working visit to poultry farms here, in Muar and Batu Pahat.

"The shortage of chicken will be overcome as the Johor Poultry Association has given its assurance that there will be sufficient supply, to meet demand.

"The Johor Poultry Association had made checks with poultry farmers in the state, and their broilers will be ready.

"The shortage of chicken will be solved by tomorrow as the broilers will be 35 days old, which is when they will be ready for the slaughterhouse."

There will be sufficient supply for the remaining days of Ramadan and Aidilfitri. The next few harvest of broilers will also reach maturity as Hari Raya arrives. Ismail said supply would be coming from several plantation associations, where farmers also breed broiler chickens.

On the manipulation of chicken prices, Ismail said it was a serious problem as many people were affected.

However, he guaranteed that the problem would be solved in view of the sufficient supplies.

Chicken prices will be a controlled price item one week before and after the Hari Raya, where the ceiling price will be capped by the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Department.

Attributing the shortage and price manipulation to irresponsible traders, Mr Mohamad also called for stringent enforcement to be carried out to ensure all traders adhered to the price directive.

He said the traders should be responsible and understand their responsibility to the community.