“I feel chicken entrepreneurs have taken the necessary action to ensure the supply of 1.8 million to two million chickens daily.

“Exports have stopped for the time being to meet domestic needs,” he said after making an official visit to the Dinding Poultry Development Centre in Segari, Manjung, here today.

It was reported that chicken supply in several states had remained stable despite a reduction in supply.

The supply was reported to be insufficient in several states earlier due to the transition to the endemic phase, Aidilfitri celebrations as well as panic buying following a statement that there would be a chicken supply shortage from May 20-22.

Asked about payment of claims for the chicken subsidy, Kiandee said farmers who have not received or applied for them could do so even after the deadline ends on June 5.

“We hope the farmers will come forward to claim the subsidy. We have also increased the staff at the state level to handle applications.

“After the deadline, claims can still be processed.

“Earlier, approval was in stages but now we will review them at the state level and final checks will be done at the head office.”

Kiandee said so far only RM71 million had been paid out as subsidy despite RM729.43 million being allocated under the Malaysian Family Price Control Scheme since Feb 5.

This was in line with the setting of the ceiling price for standard chicken at RM8.90 per kg.