Since 1 Jun, our closest neighbour Malaysia stopped exporting chickens, a move that initially caused mild panic among Singaporeans.
More than four months later, this ban will be lifted on Tuesday (11 Oct).
Source: Google Maps
That means live poultry imports to Singapore can now resume.
The good news was confirmed by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Sunday (9 Oct), The Straits Times (ST) reported.
SFA said they had received official notification from Malaysia’s Department of Veterinary Services.
SFA welcomed the move, and they’re seeking clarification on the details.
According to SFA, live chicken broiler imports from Malaysia to Singapore can be resumed.
Broilers are chickens that are bred and raised specifically for meat production.
Source: boo lee on Flickr
Before the ban, about one-third of Singapore’s chicken imports were from Malaysia.
Almost all were imported as live chickens.
However, despite the imminent lifting of the ban, SFA said they’ll continue to accredit more sources of chicken.
They will also work with local industries to further diversify their sources, encouraging businesses to review their business continuity plans.
This will help them reduce the risk of supply disruptions, SFA noted, adding,
Singapore will continue to face disruptions in our food supply from time to time, due to external factors.
Since the export ban started, Singapore moved swiftly to import fresh and frozen chicken from countries like Thailand, Australia and the United States (US).
Indonesia has also been approved as another chicken source, and imports started in July.
On 1 Aug, Malaysian Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Ronald Kiandee said the country had the capacity to export chicken once more.
This prompted premature reports that the export ban might be lifted that month, only for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries (MAFI) to clarify later that it would remain.
Hopes were subsequently dashed again when Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the ban would last one to two months more.
Source: Erwin Bolwidt on Flickr
Now that the ban is finally set to be lifted, the news would delight not just Singapore, but also Malaysian chicken breeders, who’ve been urging their government to lift the ban.
It hasn’t escaped attention, too, that Malaysia’s General Election is coming very soon, with Parliament set to be dissolved any day now.
Meanwhile, SFA has advised Singaporeans to be flexible with their food and ingredient choices.
This includes being ready to switch to alternative products or sources when necessary.
By doing that, households and individuals can contribute to the nation’s overall food resilience.
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps.
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