Singapore Awaits Malaysia's Lifting Of Chicken Export Ban

Malaysian authorities have not indicated when the chicken export ban to Singapore will be lifted, according to Melissa Heng of the Straits Times.

Photo Insert: Singapore imports 34% of its total chicken consumption from Malaysia.

When asked if the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) had received any indication from Malaysian authorities about when the restriction could be reviewed or lifted, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu confirmed this. "The answer is no," she stated decisively.

Singapore imports 34% of its total chicken consumption from Malaysia.

Fu stated that, while the government has taken a multi-pronged approach to mitigating the risks of supply disruption, Singapore cannot totally eliminate disruptions such as geopolitical tensions, extreme weather occurrences, or foreign government policy decisions.

She said: "We will not be able to eliminate all risks. To do so would be costly and uneconomical. We will also not be able to isolate Singapore from the price fluctuations of food supply."

She went on to say that in recent months, even countries with large food production capacities have seen food prices rise due to increasing feedstock, fertilizer, and transportation expenses.

Singapore's food security measures include establishing a wide network of food supplies, growing more food locally, and collaborating with industry partners to have key food items on hand. Agriculture occupies less than 1% of Singapore's limited land.

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