October 30, 2024
Malaysia considers incentives for poultry farmers using palm oil waste in animal feed
The Malaysian federal government is exploring incentives for poultry farmers who incorporate palm oil production waste into animal feed, which aims to reduce the country's dependence on imported feed stocks, announced Malaysia's Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, The Edge reported.
Johari explained that poultry farmers could become eligible for production-based incentives if they include 5% to 10% of palm oil waste in their feed. "We want to encourage the use of these waste materials as a supplement to imported feed like corn and soybeans. If widely adopted, this approach could significantly cut the reliance on imported feed," he said.
Currently, Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's most import-reliant nations for animal feed. In 2022, the country imported over five million tonnes of corn and soybean products from countries such as Brazil and Argentina to meet feed demands for poultry and livestock.
Johari further highlighted the economic potential of the biomass industry driven by agri-commodities based on oil palm waste. He estimated that the sector could contribute MYR 17 billion (US$3.8 billion) in economic value and MYR 7 billion (US$1.59 billion) in investments by 2030.
The minister also noted that this initiative could create around 33,000 new jobs by 2030, with roles spanning bio-pellet production, biomass energy generation, pulp and paper, treated carbon, and bio-fertiliser production.
The federal government views these incentives as part of a broader strategy to bolster local feed production while fostering sustainable waste usage in agriculture.
- The Edge