KUALA LUMPUR: The supply of eggs in the market is adequate amid the 3 sen drop in prices, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh has assured.

"We engaged industry players even before the prime minister's announcement (on the reduction of egg prices).

"We received assurances of sufficient egg production nationwide," she told the New Straits Times.

Some, including Ayer Itam member of Parliament, have voiced concern that the 3 sen reduction in egg prices could lead to a shortage of eggs in the market.

Checks by NST in various retail outlets around the Klang Valley found some stores ran out of Grade A, B or C eggs.

Fuziah said the ministry would investigate shortages and whether they were linked to the long weekend following Hari Raya Aidiladha celebrations.

A spokesman of one local hypermarket chain said they ran out of eggs yesterday but would receive a shipment today.

"Usually we won't receive eggs on public holidays because our suppliers are also off," said the spokesman, adding Grade A eggs were more difficult to procure.

Meanwhile, Federation of Livestock Farmers Association Malaysia advisor Datuk Jeffrey Ng said egg shortages in the market following a public holiday were expected.

"Well, it's quite normal after a long holiday because most wholesalers stopped picking up eggs from farms or delivering to retailers from Saturday.

"Most farmers have accumulated eggs to distribute after two days without pickups due to the public holiday."

Ng said he believed retailers would receive the eggs they ordered today.

On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the 3 sen price reduction in eggs.

The subsidy of 10 sen per egg is expected to cost the government RM100 million.

Last year, the government spent nearly RM1 billion on egg subsidies.

With the latest price revision Grade A, B and C eggs are priced at 42 sen, 40 sen, and 38 sen respectively.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/06/1065356/adequate-supply-eggs-nationwide-deputy-minister-reassures