June 8, 2009
Malaysian firm to invest US$1.42 million to boost halal beef production
There are plans for MYR5 million (US$1.42 million) to be invested in an expansion programme to boost its production of halal beef products by the Zikay Group, via subsidiary Rumpun Berkat Sdn Bhd.
According to group managing director Datuk Mohd Khay Ibrahim, the expansion programme is being put in place to boost its production of halal beef products to see increased demand and in order to have 4 percent of the local beef market by year-end.
Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, said that the size of the halal market was worth about MYR7.6 trillion per year.
Khay said demand for halal beef products would exceed 170,000 tonnes by 2010 and production is expected to be 310,000 tonnes in 2020, adding that statistics show local producers could only supply 18 percent of domestic beef demand.
He also said the expansion programme would also include diversifying its processed meat products to include meatballs, burger patties, sausages and satay meat.
The company's expansion plan would involve upgrading its current infrastructure and adding machinery at its 35-acre Bestari Jaya cattle farm and slaughterhouse.
US$1 = MYR3.52 (June 8)
