News

Singaporeans In A Flap At Malaysian Chicken Export Curbs

Long queues at stalls selling a popular chicken dish, increasing prices and warnings about supply disruptions — Singaporeans are in a flap due to curbs on poultry exports from neighbouring Malaysia.

Malaysia’s move to halt exports of 3.6 million chickens a month, which kicks in Wednesday, is the latest protectionist move in Asia aimed at tackling domestic shortages and taming surging inflation.

But the surprise step has caused consternation in Singapore, a tiny city-state that relies on its larger neighbour for a good chunk of food imports, including around a third of its chicken.

Of particular concern is the impact on chicken rice, a hugely popular dish of poached chicken, rice and chili dip, often sold at the city-state’s ubiquitous open-air food courts.

Chicken prices “will definitely go up”, said Foo Kui Lian, founder of Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, one of the best-known stalls selling the dish in Singapore.

“If (suppliers) raise prices by a lot we would have to raise ours a bit, or it’ll be difficult for us to survive.”

A day before the export curbs kicked in, a long queue formed at the stall as diners sought to get a taste of the dish before a feared surge in prices.

Office worker Meilan Lim was among those who bought the dish ahead of the restrictions.

“Even though I’m not really a chicken rice person, it’s just that sometimes you do have the craving,” she told AFP.

“So if (the ban is) going to be lasting for a while, it’s going to be a problem for me.”

Some stall holders have already hiked their prices, and officials are warning about disruptions to chicken supplies.

The city-state’s food agency has advised consumers to buy only what they need, consider buying frozen instead of refrigerated chicken, or shift to different meats.

Most chickens from Malaysia are imported to Singapore alive, and then slaughtered and chilled there. Frozen chicken is often imported from other countries, including Brazil.

Like many other countries, Malaysia is battling rising inflation, particularly when it comes to food, which prompted it to impose the curbs.

But Singapore — which has had a fractious relationship with Kuala Lumpur for decades — is also facing rising prices, with inflation at a decade-high.

Other countries that have taken protectionist measures include India, which banned wheat exports and Indonesia, which temporarily halted palm oil shipments.

The moves come as concerns grow worldwide about food insecurity caused by supply chain snarls, climate change and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a major grain producer.

Sources: AFP

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

Stranger Things Returns This November And the Upside Down Is Bringing New Secrets With It

Hey creepaholics, the nightmare society is calling for backup!  November is coming to turn your… Read More

1 day ago

HABIB x Zoo Negara Unveil Limited-Edition Gold Wafers Celebrating Malaysia’s Wildlife Heritage

Calling for gold keepers! On October 24, HABIB will launch its exclusive Limited Edition HABIB… Read More

1 day ago

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury

A Season of Sparkle: Carlo Rino Wraps Up 2025 With Joy, Nostalgia & Everyday Luxury… Read More

1 day ago

Beneath the Armor: Men’s Hidden Battle With Mental Health

Beneath the Armor: Men's Hidden Battle With Mental Health “Therapy? No, I don’t need therapy,… Read More

2 days ago

Carolina Herrera Dares the Good Girl to Move in Audacity!

A touch of elegance, a scent of confidence. Carolina Herrera and Swarovski will bring light… Read More

2 days ago

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun

Lights, Culture, and Celebration: Deepavali Shines Bright at Sunway Lagoon and Lost World of Tambun… Read More

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.