November 1, 2006

New meat processing centre to boost Malaysian meat production

A new Meat Technology Centre in the East Malaysian state of Sabah would be a big boost to the fledgling meat industry in the region, Datuk Seri Musa Aman said at its opening.

The centre, in Kinarut, is the first such facility in the country fully equipped with the latest technology to develop the meat industry, Musa said, adding that the facility meets international standards of veterinary clinic, abattoir and meat processing.

Construction of the RM9 million (US$2.5 million) centre started in 2003 and was completed recently.

The centre would be able to handle slaughtering and processing operations of meat like beef, buffalo and mutton.

Besides a tannery that would supplement the production of meat products, it also houses a training centre for workers, sellers and meat traders.

The centre would be a big boost towards the drive for self-sufficiency in beef and other meat products in the state, Musa said. Currently, self-sufficiency for beef production in the state is only at 20 percent. The state hopes to notch that up to 30 percent by 2010.

The state currently imports live cattle from Australia.

Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Ismail added that the centre would also open up opportunities for entrepreneurs to compete in the international market.