The minister, Mohamad Sabu, said increased production of such eggs will provide the public with more options while helping to stabilise prices.

“We also aim to increase the supply of cheaper special eggs like those sold during Ramadan recently, which were priced at RM5 per tray. We’re not sure what the price will be, but we are confident it will not spike uncontrollably,” said Mohamad, who is better known as Mat Sabu.

Mohamad said competitively-priced eggs could also be obtained through initiatives such as Jualan Agro Madani and Jualan Rahmah.

The removal of the egg subsidy was announced on April 30 and the ministry said egg producers had agreed to introduce special grade eggs at reasonable prices.

Mohamad said the end of the egg subsidy and removal of price controls was decided after consultation with the egg producers and the industry.

Separately, he also encouraged the cultivation of local young coconuts, especially aromatic varieties like pandan coconuts, in response to rising demand from China.

“This presents an opportunity, for example, for Terengganu with its vast land area to focus on this crop which can generate good income. China has a population of over 1.4 billion, with more than 800 million having spending power… this is a real economic opportunity.”

The agriculture department said on April 19 that Malaysia will export young coconuts to China primarily for fresh beverage consumption, with priority given to aromatic varieties such as pandan coconuts.