KUALA LUMPUR: There might be changes to the chicken export ban which will go into effect from tomorrow (June 1).

As there are a lot of uncertainties at this moment, chicken farmers in the country are still waiting for the latest announcement from the authorities.

Penang & Province Wellesley Farmers’ Association advisor Loh Chee Yee told Sin Chew Daily even though the export ban would go into effect from Wednesday, chicken farmers continued to explore the issue with the authorities in a bid to clarify on certain details.

He said although the prices of chickens are controlled by the government, there are many “colored chickens” such as ayam kampong which are not controlled items and are not subjected to export restrictions.

Loh said the application for export permits for “colored chickens” is currently stuck, awaiting the latest instructions from the government.

He said “colored chickens” make up over 10% of the market, but as they have generally longer breeding times, it is impossible to significantly increase their production within a short period of time.

He urged the government to promptly resolve the current stalemate, or some chicken farmers might be forced to halt their production.