Minister Of SOEs Of The Republic Of Indonesia's Claims As A Rescue When Singapore Was Dilanda, Chicken Crisis

Illustration. Chicken traders cut to serve buyers at Toddopuli Market, Makassar, South Sulawesi. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir claimed that Indonesia was the savior when Singapore was hit by a chicken crisis.

As is known, Singapore experienced limited chicken supply when Malaysia banned imports to the country.

Erick explained that the government's move to provide chicken assistance to Singapore is part of Indonesia's efforts to become a food barn or world commodity.

"How do we become a world food barn, an Indonesian food barn. Singapore is short of chickens, Indonesia is helping. When Malaysia doesn't want to give a reserved instead of chicken needs," said Erick during the 2022 Investor Daily Summit, Jakarta, Tuesday, October 11.

For your information, Malaysia has banned chicken exports to Singapore since last June. This step was taken to maintain domestic food supply.

However, this neighboring country move sparked panic buying in Singapore.

Singaporeans immediately stormed markets and supermarkets to buy live chicken and chicken meat.

In May, Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced his country was banning exports of 3.6 million chickens per month until domestic prices and production was stable.

This step by the Malaysian Government has had an impact on Singapore. This is because one-third of the country's poultry needs are supplied by Malaysia.

The chickens were imported alive from the neighboring country.

Not only banning exports, Malaysia also removed import permits for chickens and other foods to increase food supply and reduce prices amid public outrage.

Responding to the ban, the Singapore government at that time announced that it would buy chickens from other countries. The countries in question include Thailand and Indonesia.

The announcement was immediately welcomed by the Government of Indonesia.

Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo said the success of exporting livestock products to Singapore is proof that Indonesian livestock products have guaranteed food security. Even quality and able to meet standards in the international market.