September 12, 2006

Malaysia plans to produce Kobe beef

Malaysia is planning to produce Kobe beef from Japanese cattle breeds sourced in Australia, according to the Malaysian National News Agency.

Kobe beef is currently consumed in Malaysia's high-end foodservice outlets, but the premium meat is becoming increasingly popular.

Malaysia has tried unsuccessfully in the past to source the cattle directly from Japan, according to the Malaysian Department of Veterinary Services (DVS). However, the DVS said that by the end of this year, Malaysia would be importing 100 head of Wagyu purebred bulls and crossbred females from Australia.

It would cost the Malaysian government RM12,000 (US$3,270) for each purebred bull and RM5,000 (US$1,360) for a crossbred female.

Forty of the imported cattle would be sent to the Agricultural Development and Research Institute for research purposes while the rest would be placed into a breeding programme.

Malaysia has aimed to greatly expand its beef industry and grow towards food self-sufficiency.