“If supplies become insufficient, then we must follow in the steps of the federal government, but so far we have enough (chicken supply),” Kitingan said at a press conference.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the export of whole chickens would be banned from June 1, while import permits for chicken and wheat would be abolished as part of measures to stem a chicken shortage.

Ismail said these measures will be in effect until chicken prices and production levels are stabilised. Malaysia exports about 3.6 million whole chickens a month.

Kitingan said not many poultry farmers in Sabah export their chickens, so the ban would not have an effect on the state.

He said that as it is, Sabah produces 6.6 million kilograms of chicken and 2.5 million eggs daily.

“If there is a shortage, Sabahans can opt for free-range chicken, even though it is more expensive,” said the state’s agriculture and fisheries minister.

Kitingan, however, said the possibility of chicken prices increasing due to supply shortages during the festive seasons remains a concern.

He added that it would also be a concern if other countries stopped exporting chicken.

Kitingan is the second politician to officially speak against the ban on exporting chicken.

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook had earlier today criticised the government’s decision to ban chicken exports and abolish approved permits for food imports, saying it was only a short-term solution to the problem.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress had earlier today threatened to march and gather in Putrajaya over the rising prices of goods.

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) yesterday questioned why the government had waited until there was a chicken shortage before investigating claims about the existence of chicken cartels.