Malaysia has suspended the export of 3.6 million chickens per month, a measure that came into force on Wednesday to tackle national shortages and tame runaway inflation.

But the surprise move sparked consternation in Singapore, a tiny city-state that depends on its larger neighbor for much of its food imports, including around a third of its chicken.

Of particular concern is the impact on chicken rice, a wildly popular dish consisting of poached chicken, rice and chili sauce, often sold at the city-state's ubiquitous outdoor food courts.

Chicken prices "are definitely going to go up," said Foo Kui Lian, founder of Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, one of the best-known stalls selling the dish in Singapore.

“If (suppliers) raise prices a lot, we will have to raise ours a bit, otherwise it will become difficult to survive,” he adds.

Roslan RAHMAN AFP

On the eve of the entry into force of the restrictions, a long queue formed in front of the stall to be able to enjoy this famous dish before the dreaded price increase.

"Even though I'm not a fan of chicken rice, sometimes you crave it. So if it's going to last for a while, it will be a problem," said office worker Meilan Lim, tasting her dish.

Inflation

Some stallholders have already hiked prices and authorities are warning of supply disruptions.

The city-state's food agency has advised consumers to only buy what they need, consider buying frozen rather than refrigerated chicken, or switch to other meats.

Most Malaysian chicken is imported live into Singapore, where it is slaughtered and chilled, while frozen chicken is often imported from other countries, including Brazil.

Like many other countries, Malaysia is facing rising inflation, especially in food, which prompted it to impose these restrictions.

Chickens on a farm in Temerloh in the Malaysian state of Pahang, May 31, 2022 Mohd RASFAN AFP

But Singapore, which has had a contentious relationship with Kuala Lumpur for decades, is also suffering from rising prices, which have reached a ten-year high.

Other countries have taken protectionist measures, including India, which has banned wheat exports, and Indonesia, which has suspended the export of palm oil.

Food insecurity caused by supply chain disruptions, climate change and the invasion of Ukraine, a major grain producer, is a growing global concern.

© 2022 AFP