July 27, 2026
 

Malaysia's Sabah targets ruminant meat self-sufficiency ratio of 25% by 2030 with RM24.3 million farm upgrade programme

The state is investing in 16 government-owned ruminant farms across five districts as it seeks to more than triple local meat supply from a current self-sufficiency ratio of just over 7%.

Malaysia's Sabah state government is targeting a ruminant meat Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) of 25% by 2030, up from the current 7.05%, backed by RM24.3 million (US$5.2 million) allocated to upgrade government-owned livestock farms across the state.

Sabah Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Hendrus Anding said the allocation, channelled through the Sabah Department of Veterinary Services, covers three programmes. The largest tranche of RM12.5 million (US$2.7 million) will fund the development of 11 large-scale ruminant farms in Keningau, Kudat, Telupid, Tawau and Kota Belud. A further RM7 million (US$1.5 million) has been allocated for five small-scale ruminant farms in Bongawan, Ranau, Telupid, Kunak and Lahad Datu, while RM4.8 million (US$1.0 million) has been earmarked for two non-ruminant facilities - the Bantayan Poultry Farm and the Yonsom Duck Farm.

Hendrus said the large ruminant farm upgrades are expected to increase meat production by 199% from 126 head this year to 377 head annually by 2030, while breeding stock output is projected to rise 78% to 752 head per year. For small ruminants, meat production is projected to surge 486% from 121 head to 710 head annually, with breeding stock rising 233% to 916 head per year.

He said the ruminant SSR target will also be supported through an oil palm integration programme, the Mepkas initiative and genetic resource development. On non-ruminant livestock, Hendrus noted that Sabah's annual requirement of 35 million broiler chickens is already fully met by the private sector, with the current SSR standing at 105.3%. Government poultry and duck farms now serve primarily as training centres, breeding facilities and suppliers of young livestock for government programmes and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Hendrus also said the government was ready to develop integrated livestock farming areas in districts with strong potential, citing Semporna as a priority location to further strengthen the state's food security.

- Malay Mail