December 13, 2023

Malaysia targets 50% beef self-sufficiency by 2025

The Malaysian government has set an ambitious goal to increase the national beef self-sufficiency rate (SSR) from the current 24% to 50% by 2025, Malay Mail reported.

Malaysia's Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin outlined efforts to achieve this target, including attracting major foreign investors and engaging young cattle breeders.

Chan Foong Hin said that Malaysia currently produces only 250,000 metric tonnes of beef annually, falling short of domestic demand. To bridge this gap, the country's Ministry of Agriculture, along with the Veterinary Services Department and the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LLP), plans to implement various programmes over the next two years.

Highlighting the role of foreign investors, Chan Foong Hin mentioned the interest expressed by countries like Qatar in collaborating with FGV Holdings Bhd. He said that encouraging significant investments and involving the youth through training programs are key strategies to stimulate industry growth.

Speaking at the inauguration of The Cattle Ranch program by LLP, which involves 180 cattle breeders nationwide, Chan Foong Hin stated that the initiative aims to enhance the capacity and competency of breeders. The programme facilitates interaction among breeders, allowing them to build essential business networks. Since 2015, LLP has provided training and allocated MYR 8.2 million (US$1.7 million) to 225 entrepreneurs, resulting in the ownership of a total of 11,000 head of cattle.

-      Malay Mail