Singapore faces difficulties when Malaysia bans chicken exports

Recently, the Malaysian government has issued an export ban chicken meatstarting from June 1, in the context of this Southeast Asian country facing a shortage of domestic supply and escalating prices.

It is estimated that Malaysia’s chicken export is 3.6 million tons/month. Therefore, this move immediately flipped prices in an unfavorable direction, even spreading to neighboring Singapore – which depends heavily on Malaysia’s food supply.

The Singapore Consumer Association said it was certain that Malaysia’s chicken export ban would have a “negative impact” on the price of chicken and related products in Singapore. It is estimated that the price of chicken meat may increase by 15% in the coming days.

Recently, the Malaysian government has issued a ban on chicken exports, starting from June 1. (Artwork – Photo: freemalaysiatoday)

“I only have chicken imported from Malaysia. Now I can only wait for the situation to be resolved,” said the owner of a restaurant.

“I will buy more chicken, then put it in the freezer to eat gradually. The chicken is not as good, but it is better than nothing,” one customer shared.

Of the total volume of chicken meat imported by Singapore in 2021, which is 73,000 tons, about a third will come from neighboring Malaysia. Most of the chickens imported from Malaysia are raw, then slaughtered and refrigerated in Singapore.

Some Singaporean importers had to apply for permits to increase their imports by 25%, to 60,000 chickens/day before the deadline of June 1. A representative of a business said that they will have to open an additional chicken processing line to meet the sharp increase in imports.

“We’ve been trying to close the gap between consumer demand and supply for the moment. We’re always on the alert that people will buy more, leading to no stock left on the shelves,” he said. James Sim, Development Director of KEE SONG Food Group, said.

Singaporean authorities are currently working with importers to minimize the impact on the market, and urge people to only buy food according to their needs.

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