22 March 2023

Press statement by MCA Deputy Treasurer General Datuk Ir Lawrence Low


Dialogue goes two-ways: Govt needs to listen to concerns of industry stakeholders




The government needs to take into account the concerns of poultry farmers and operators and initiate a dialogue session with them. This is to assist domestic poultry farmers in the production of eggs at reasonable prices and thereby reduce the cost of living for consumers.


In recent days, eggs shortages have hit may parts of the world, causing egg prices to fly. In the United States and Japan alone, the prices of eggs have soared by more than 70%. Our government has attempted to resolve the eggs supply issue via egg imports. It is thus foreseeable that issues involving eggs supply will re-surface in the future as other factors need to be considered, e.g. avian flu.

I am concerned that the eggs supply issue may not be able to be resolved in June despite an assurance by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mohammad Sabu. The government must be prepared for any unexpected interruption in the supply chain whilst seeking methods for improvement.

As there are reports of traders expressing their fears over eggs shortage during Ramadan, the Unity Government needs to ensure that there will be no lack of eggs during the fasting month and Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Otherwise, consumers will be forced to purchase this essential at higher prices during the festive season, and more so when the demand for eggs double. To ensure sufficient eggs supply, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security must initiate a two-way dialogue with industry stakeholders instead of tackling this problem one-way.

The government should also focus on assisting local poultry farmers rather than relying on foreign eggs imports as the fundamental problem has yet to be addressed.

In voicing out the concerns of the rakyat, MCA President and Member of Parliament for Ayer Hitam Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong had raised the eggs supply issue in the Dewan Rakyat. For doing so, he unfortunately became a target of legal letters, threats with tremendous pressure asserted onto him.

Such antics against any elected representative are unacceptable. I therefore urge all MPs to stand in solidarity with Dr Wee. Defend the Constitutional rights of MPs to speak up for the rakyat in Parliament with immunity so long as the topics do not contradict the Sedition Act nor insult the YDP Agong and the Malay Rulers.  

-MCA online-