BACHOK, June 4 — Malaysia needs 200,000 tonnes of beef per year to meet the people’s needs, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
He said to meet the demand, the government aims to produce 100,000 tonnes of beef by 2030.
Malaysia still needs to import 80 per cent of its meat needs, he said.
“The production of beef cattle in our country is below 20 per cent, equivalent to 47,000 tonnes, and it is still a long way to go before we reach 100 per cent,” he told reporters after the opening of HL Agro Farm KB Sdn Bhd with the farming community in Kampung Sri Kemunting here today.
Mohamad said to reduce dependence on beef imports, the government will help increase animal husbandry and production.
“Cooperation with state governments is important because the land belongs to them, such as farms in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor. There is still a lot of land that can be cultivated.
“If everyone works together, we will be able to reach the target of 100 per cent in the near future, or at least be able to reach 50 per cent production, even though it is not easy to do,” he said.
Mohamad said the government has channelled allocations to farmers who have just started their business by providing assistance of about RM20,000 per person.
He said his ministry has assured that the supply of sacrificial beef for Aidiladha will be sufficient, including that there will be no significant increase in meat prices.
— Bernama
