Malaysians react as ban on chicken exports starts

Malaysia on Wednesday imposed a ban on the export of fresh chickens in an effort to deal with shortages and high demand, a move that is already causing distress in neighboring Singapore, which depends on the poultry for its own market and its national dish.Beginning June 1, Malaysia will ban exports of 3.6 million chickens a month until domestic prices and production stabilize.The move is felt most in Singapore, which sources a third of its poultry from Malaysia.Almost all the chickens are imported live to Singapore, where they are slaughtered and chilled.The Singapore Straits Times said chicken sellers predicted the cost of chilled chicken could rise by up to 30%, sending chicken dish prices soaring.