June 16, 2022

Malaysian farmers' organisations to expand poultry farming operations

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the country's National Farmers Organisation (NAFAS) and Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA) are expanding their poultry farming operations to ensure Malaysia's food security, Free Malaysia Today reported.

The prime minister said in a statement that NAFAS and ANGKASA will also increase their corn production, which is a key component in chicken feed.

He said NAFAS plans to control 20% of the poultry market by producing 144 million chickens per year, while ANGKASA plans to produce up to 30 million chickens per year.

He also said NAFAS has identified 12,140 hectares of land in Kelantan and Terengganu for corn planting, according to Ismail. Tobacco was previously grown on that land.

ANGKASA on the other hand has identified 4,000 hectares of land across the country, capable of producing five tonnes of corn and reducing corn imports by 20% over the next five years, in collaboration with the agriculture and food industries ministry.

Last week, the Malaysian Cabinet agreed to put in place a number of short-term measures, including establishing a chicken stockpile, to address food shortages and price hikes.

Ronald Kiandee, Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Industries Minister, said the Cabinet also agreed on measures to simplify the payment process for subsidy claims.

The prime minister announced that as of July 1, the government would no longer provide subsidies to breeders, instead channelling the funds directly to those in need.

-      Free Malaysia Today