August 13, 2024

Sarawak, Malaysia, gets government backing to conduct buffalo meat, dairy production in state

Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Security Ministry supports the Sarawak state government's initiative to conduct buffalo meat and dairy production in Meragang, located in the northern region of the state.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, said such an effort would boost the supply of local beef and ensure that the country could reduce dependents on imported beef.

"Malaysia is still lagging far behind in the production of local beef, where we currently can only fulfil 15% of demand," Mohamad said at a ministry meeting with farmers, breeders and fishermen on August 8. "The remaining 85% comes from imported beef, which shows a pressing need to boost local beef production, especially buffalo and beef cattle."

Mohamad added that Lawas was now viewed as an area with high potential for investments in the agricultural and livestock sectors, and urged the local community to seize the opportunity through the Madani Community programme to boost economic activities at the community level in five focused sectors, agriculture and food, sewing and handicraft, herbs and health, tourism and hospitality as well as green activities and recycling.

"Currently, less than 10% of the RM1 billion allocation has been spent. So hopefully everyone can play their role to ensure the allocation is used as best as possible to boost incomes and the country's food security," Mohamad said.

- Bernama