September 4, 2003

Poultry Business Expected to Contribute RM7b to Malaysia's GDP      

The poultry business in Malaysia is expected to contribute RM7 billion to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) this year from RM5.99 billion in 2001.  

Department of Veterinary Services director general Datuk Dr Hawari Hussein said with the livestock industry growing at a steady pace, more Bumiputera entrepreneurs should take the opportunity to venture into this business.

"The Government has done a lot to help Bumiputeras, and now they have to take the chances to be successful," Hawari said after the official opening of Livestock Asia 2003 Expo & Forum in Puchong yesterday.

Also present was event organiser AMB Exhibition Sdn Bhd's president Tan Sri Dr Ahmad Mustaffa Babjee.

"Although the livestock sector has registered excellent growth, it faces a number of challenges, including global competition and food safety," he said.

The bi-annual Livestock Asia 2003 Expo & Forum sees more than 250 exhibitors representing 23 countries with 6,000 delegates and visitors from the Asian region.

The three-day expo, starting yesterday until August 23, showcases a range of products and technologies for commercial animal farming such as pharmaceuticals, incubators, housing systems, feed additives and milling equipment.

"I hope this event will galvanise the already strong intra-Asean (Association of South-East Asian Nations) cooperation in the livestock industry," Dr Hawari said.