JOHOR BARU, Dec 15 — Johor must restrict the export of eggs to Singapore, as well as their distribution to other states, to overcome the current shortage in the state, said State Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip.

He said the state government has no authority to implement such restrictions as the export of eggs is under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

"The state government is expected to meet Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu next week to discuss the problem.

"If egg exports and supplies are restricted and regulated as was done to overcome the chicken issue, it is possible that Johor will not have a critical egg scarcity,” said Zahari to reporters after being presented with the first batch of MD2 pineapples to be exported Germany at the Kulim Pineapple Farm in Ulu Tiram here today.

He was commenting on the inadequate supply of eggs in Johor that has been blamed on an increased demand from other states, as well as exports to Singapore.

Johor is one of the largest egg producers in the country.

Zahari said the egg shortage issue in Johor had caused the public to question the cause of the problem due to the state being the main producer in the country.

"According to data from the Veterinary Department, from January to September, egg production in Johor should be at 1.7 billion eggs.

"However, production declined and only reached 1.3 billion eggs, which is 0.4 billion eggs less,” he said.

Zahari said according to the Veterinary Department, among the reasons for the decline in egg production in Johor was due to producers reducing the output for egg-laying hens.

"This was not done on purpose, but rather to cover the increase in costs when the ringgit fell as well as the price of chicken feed.

"Supply shortage should not be a problem, but it becomes critical because our producers send their supplies to Singapore, Pahang, Negri Sembilan and Melaka due to various demand and contract factors,” he said.