In a statement, Sim Tze Tzin said the funds should be allocated to poultry farmers and egg producers.

He said a majority of industry players adopted either the open-house system or semi-closed system, which leave chickens more vulnerable to diseases like the bird flu.

“These systems have also contributed to pollution and fly infestation, which is why there is a need for poultry farming to be modernised and made more sustainable,” he said.

The subsidy for chicken eggs was reduced from 10 sen to 5 sen per egg, effective yesterday, while price controls were removed.

Last October, agriculture and food security minister Mohamad Sabu said the savings from ending the subsidies could be redirected to develop other critical agro-food sectors.

Sim said that as a former deputy agriculture and agro-based industry minister, he understood the need to upgrade the technology used in the industry and increase competitiveness.

“This is why I am pleading with the government to redirect the money saved from the subsidies to develop a more modern, efficient, and sustainable industry,” he said.