The additional daily supply of 10,000 Mainland chickens will be extended from three to five days from June 18 to 22, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr Yeoh Eng-kiong says.

The move comes after the Government reviewed the additional chicken import arrangement today, taking into account smooth operations and the surge in demand for live chickens during the Tuen Ng festival.

To ensure public safety will not be compromised, Dr Yeoh said departments have increased manpower, to cope with enhanced inspection and quarantine arrangements, and laboratory capacity to cater for the additional samples taken for testing.

Poultry retailers have agreed to co-operate to ensure compliance with all hygienic conditions. They envisage good sales and expect there will be no unduly accumulated stock of live chickens in wet markets in the lead-up to the festival.

Dr Yeoh said: "We have found the dialogue earlier with the relevant stakeholders useful and constructive in mapping out a balanced arrangement to suit both consumers and retailers without letting down the guard on public safety."

The exceptional arrangement will end after June 22 and revert to the current level of 30,000 live chickens per day.