PETALING JAYA: Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Associations of Malaysia layer unit chairman Lee Yoon Yeau said the issue of eggs was not about the price but the shortage of eggs in the market.

He said the issue of egg shortage today could be attributed to the price control mechanism and subsidy.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said after yesterday’s cabinet meeting that he had instructed minister of agriculture and food security Mohamad Sabu to study the various measures, including egg pricing.

The minister is expected to announce the new pricing for eggs today.

Lee told Sin Chew Daily many consumers thought egg prices were open but as a matter of fact, eggs had been listed as a controlled item for more than a year, since last November.

“This is the longest duration that eggs have been placed under the price control mechanism in the country’s history,” he explained.

Lee said the country currently produces about 30 million eggs a day, including in East Malaysia.

“The new government says it will announce the new pricing today, but they have not talked to us yet!

“We hope the government can explore the issue of eggs with us, how to control the costing, and why consumers have been unable to buy eggs in the market for two to three months. This is not just about pricing!

“If the government announces a lower price for eggs, we have no idea how it is going to subsidize poultry farmers.

“Even the subsidies may not offset the farmer’s rising costs. Many egg farmers may face severe cash flow problem. The smaller operators may be forced out of business while the larger ones cut production to minimize loss.”

Lee urged the government to consider floating the prices of eggs in tandem with market demands.

He said as a consumer, he welcomed the new government’s initiatives to lower the cost of living of Malaysians, but he questioned how much the lower egg pricing could help reduce the people’s financial burden.

“Can we improve the people’s living standard by lowering egg prices by two or three sen each? The impact on the market is limited!”