Annuar Musa says the same goes for the setting of new ceiling prices for chicken and eggs.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the government will consider reviewing the ban if exports can be allowed without affecting local supplies.

Ronald Kiandee says just over 8,900 subsidy applications by broiler chicken and egg-laying chicken breeders had been approved as of end-July, amounting to RM748 million.

The ceiling price for eggs meanwhile will range from 45 sen each for Grade A eggs to 41 sen for Grade C.

Chicken meat appears to be still in supply, but wet markets and supermarkets are struggling with a shortage of eggs.

Ismail Sabri Yaakob also says that the price of chicken will not be floated, and that a new ceiling price will be set.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi says chicken prices will be floated while the needy will be given targeted financial aid.

It says the high cost of raw materials for feed has contributed to the increase in food prices.

However, the curbs are only being eased on a small number of chicken types, and not the one most commonly exported to Singapore.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob says the subsidy will instead be channelled directly to the people who are in need of assistance.

MyCC is currently investigating reports on the cartel's involvement in controlling chicken prices.

Restaurants and street stalls in the city-state are faced with hiking prices or shutting down altogether as their supplies dwindle.