JASIN – The supply of livestock is still sufficient to meet the demand for Hari Raya Aidiladha sacrificial slaughter, even though imports of cattle from Thailand have been suspended.
Agriculture and Food Industries Deputy Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah said the import of cattle from Thailand was stopped at the beginning of last month due to the transmission of lumpy skin disease.
He said the price for the supply of live cattle was still under control at RM5,000 to RM5,500 per head according to total costs for ruminant livestock.
“Together with the Veterinary Services Department, we have conducted inspections and monitoring on farms nationwide and though the self-sufficiency level of beef is currently around 20%, we import a lot from other countries for domestic needs,” he told reporters after distributing Mafi Prihatin aid to 426 recipients at Simpang Bekoh here today.
Ahmad said that through the Mafi Prihatin programme, 1.5 tonnes of fruits and vegetables such as bananas, eggplants, round cabbage, and green mustard were distributed to recipients.
He said that as of July 15, 23,977 frontliners, welfare bodies, and non-governmental organisations at 104 locations nationwide have benefited from the 41.7 tonnes of food distributed under the programme.
“Through the programme we are able to help farmers sell surplus agricultural produce and at the same time ease the burden of those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. – Bernama, July 17, 2021
