Malaysia bans poultry exports

Rising food prices since the second half of 2021 have led the Malaysian government to take several actions to curb food inflation and maintain ceiling prices on poultry and some other key commodities. Now, a temporary ban on all poultry exports and the elimination of some administrative requirements for food imports, according to a USDA GAINS report.

Malaysia’s approved permit system requires prospective importers to register their facilities with government authorities. Malaysia’s prime minister, Ismail Sabri, has announced that this system has been abolished for poultry, meat, wheat and several other agricultural products. By eliminating this requirement, the government aims to expand the number of importers and therefore competition in the food sector. Import permits, however, are still required. It is not yet clear how much impact this policy will have food prices.

Following the approved permit policy change, the government announced that it would ban poultry exports beginning this month (1 June). By banning poultry exports, the government aims to address higher domestic poultry prices driven by the increase in global commodity prices in recent months. The duration of the ban is uncertain and officials have indicated it will be reviewed once prices stabilise.