Chickens have been generating all the buzz as of late after Malaysia recently announced its export ban on chickens this June 1. Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the country will halt the export of up to 3.6 million chickens starting June 1. Exports will only resume after domestic prices and production stabilise.
Restaurants in Singapore might feel the heat due to the shortage of fresh chickens. One such eatery is Dickson Nasi Lemak, the takeaway-only shop that opened in the Joo Chiat neighbourhood two months ago. Known for its ayam goreng berempah nasi lemak, the eatery boasts snaking lines, with customers bracing the heat under the hot sun just to sink their teeths into the juicy chicken. Unfortunately, Dickson Nasi Lemak will be closed for a month from June 1 to June 30 due to the chicken shortage.
According to Dickson Nasi Lemak’s boss Hoh Loyi, it was a different decision to call for the temporary closure of the shop. Her fresh chickens are from Malaysian suppliers and due to the sudden export ban, her constant supply of fresh chicken legs has now been cut off. Additionally, prices of chicken went up to 20 to 30 percent. With stocks dwindling, Loyi had to consider other options. She tried replacing fresh chicken legs with frozen ones to create her famed spiced fried chicken, but the quality and taste did not live up to it. She added that the frozen chicken could not emulate the tenderness and crispness of a fresh chicken. With that, Loyi decided to halt her business for the time being.
It was a tough call to make, especially when she still has to pay rent, utilities and staff salaries. She’s also afraid to lose her burgeoning customer base, describing the chicken crisis to be “painful.” Despite that, Loyi is determined to weather through the bad times and instead, concentrate on her other business, Champion Bolo Bun. Dickson Nasi Lemak is currently closed from June 1 to 30 until further notice.
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