August 3, 2004

Malaysia To Set Up Panel To Boost Meat Production

Malaysia's Agriculture and Agro-Based Industries Ministry will set up a committee to help increase the production of meat, said its minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. 

He said the committee would look closer into the reasons why Malaysia had to date failed to increase its annual production of meat for local consumption, which remained at 17%. 

"We are importing more than 83% of our meat needs, which is worth RM 3 billion each year. Except for chicken, we do not produce enough beef and mutton as well as other meats for our own needs," the minister stated. 

Muhyiddin said the committee would identify issues and problems with regards to land, weather, entrepreneurs, as well as skills and technology, in order to come up with a resolution to be implemented in the sector throughout the country.