KUALA LUMPUR – The Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry has assured adequate meat supply to meet the demand for the Ramadan month and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.
Its minister Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee said meat supply remains unaffected even though the country has to rely on imported meat at 70% of total supply, as local meat production or the industry’ self-sufficiency level (SSL) was only around 21%.
“We import a lot (of meat) including from India, Pakistan, Australia and thus far it is stable and there is no disruption.
“The ministry will always monitor to ensure adequate meat supply not only during the festival but also for daily needs,” he said at a press conference after the National Farmers Organisation Golden Jubilee Launching ceremony here today.
Meanwhile, he said the government was taking short-term intervention measures by providing subsidies to broiler and egg-producing hen breeders to increase chicken and egg production.
Asked about the progress relating to the Temporary Occupational Licence period issue, he said the ministry was holding discussions with the state governments to address the problem.
“Some issues and suggestions put forward on land leases in some states say that the lease period of three years, which is to develop the agrofood industry on a large scale, is too short.
“In the last Economic Action Council (EAC) meeting, the ministry was asked to have discussions with the state governments. We are doing it,” he said.
He said the ministry and its top management would also look into proposals from industry players to evaluate and extend the existing licence period to enhance the development of the agrofood industry. – Bernama, March 30, 2022
