Egg-streme hoarding causing shortage: FLFAM

KUALA LUMPUR (April 1): Many Malaysians are finding it hard to buy eggs because some buyers are hoarding them, Malaysiakini reported today.

The report quoting the Federation of Livestock Farmers' Association of Malaysia (FLFAM) president Tan Chee Hee said Malaysian families typically buy between 10 to 30 eggs per week during normal times.

Tan said now there are people who are buying up to 120 eggs per week.

"It is not that the buyers want to eat the eggs immediately, they just hoard them," he said.

Tan told Malaysiakini that eggs typically would last a week in room temperature after they leave the farms and can last up to a month when refrigerated.

He said the country's 300 egg producers are capable of producing 40 million eggs per day, which is slightly more than one egg for each person.

On average, said Tan, a typical Malaysian would consume 370 eggs a year.

"If people do not panic and resort to hoarding, the egg supply will be enough. In fact, we supply more than what is needed," he said.

He said there was no point in increasing the production of eggs if the practice of hoarding, rather than proper consumption, does not stop.

According to Malaysiakini, Tan urged the government to expedite the approval for MCO exemptions for businesses linked to egg production, particularly egg tray manufacturers.

"The egg trays are made of limestone powder, used newspaper and cheap recycled materials.

"As far as we know, more and more supporting industries are resuming operations," he said.

He said the number of egg trays would eventually be enough but the dilemma faces those in the poultry industry is that whether they can get their hands on sawdust.

Sawdust is needed to keep chicks warm. However, it is a by-product of the sawmill industry, which has been ordered shut under the MCO.

"We need to ensure that the farm temperature is maintained at 35°C. Failing so, up to 2% of chicks will die and some will become unhealthy," Tan said.

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