KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has assured that there is an adequate supply of chicken in Sabah and that the people in the state do not have to worry about the issue.

Jeffrey, who is also Sabah Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, said, currently, Sabah was capable of producing over 100,000 slaughtered chickens and 2.5 million of eggs a day by itself, which could meet the needs of the local populace.

He said the prices of chicken and eggs in Sabah depended on the supply and demand, but that they were still stable at present.

"We are only concerned when the high demand occurs during the festive seasons. Currently, we are self-sufficient pertaining to chicken and chicken eggs.

"The ratio of imported chicken compared to local chicken is also less than 20 per cent, with most of the imports involving chicken wings.

"The impact of chicken shortage is not bad in Sabah. We also don't export chicken, but if there is excess, we are prepared to send them to Peninsular Malaysia," he told a media conference in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival here today.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob was reported to have said that the export of 3.6 million chickens would be stopped from June 1 until the prices and production of chicken stabilised.

He said this was a short-term measure by the government to address the supply and prices of chicken at present.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey said the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin was scheduled to launch the climax event of the State Level Kaamatan Festival at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazadusun Cultural Association (KDCA), Penampang on May 31.

He said the public was invited to attend the event, but must comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) set to curb the spread of infectious diseases including COVID-19.

"The Kaamatan Festival, which began on May 1, is proceeding smoothly in the districts and is limited to 1,000 visitors at the hall (Hongkod Koisaan). Parents are not encouraged to bring children if it is congested.

"The public can follow the direct telecasts on the social media platforms such as Facebook and Youtube, what is important is that the public observes the SOP and personal hygiene," he added.

-- BERNAMA