New circular agriculture plan aims to tackle Sarawak's sky-high beef costs, says Abang Johari
GEDONG, June 8 — The state government is actively developing a new approach to reduce dependency on imported cattle and feed by introducing a sustainable circular agriculture model, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
This initiative aims to address the high cost of beef in the state, which has been reported as among the most expensive in the country, reaching up to RM95 per kilogramme (kg)
Abang Johari attributed the current high prices primarily to Sarawak's heavy dependence on imported cattle and feed, particularly from Australia.
'We currently import cattle, including those we rear in Australia under SEDC (Sarawak Economic Development Corporation).
'However, the export tax imposed by Australia is quite high and payments are made in Australian dollars, which drives up the cost,' he told reporters after attending the Ibadah Korban Ceremony at the Al-Kawthar Mosque here today.
Abang Johari said the new strategy involves implementing feedlot farming systems instead of traditional open grazing, allowing cattle to be reared using locally-produced feed derived from agricultural waste mixed with napier grass.
This, he noted, would enhance cattle health and quality, leading to better yields.
'I have been to Lubok Antu and seen the potential of using plantation waste to produce biomass. This biomass can be converted into animal feed, which means we no longer need to import feed.
'Healthy, well-fed cattle are heavier, which means more value, whereas if the cattle are thin, no one will want to buy them,' he said.
He also said that trials under this model are already being conducted through various government agencies.
He said by producing animal feed locally and intensifying livestock farming under controlled conditions, the government hopes to eventually increase local beef supply and bring prices down to a more affordable level.
'We have 38 palm oil mills across the state that produce palm kernel waste. This can be used as livestock feed and even to generate bio-gas and bio-feed, contributing to a full circular economy,' he added.
Abang Johari emphasised that the initiative is still in its early phase, having started two years ago.
He noted that upon becoming Chief Minister six years ago, this was one of the priorities he looked into, but groundwork only began about two years ago.
He expressed hope that these efforts would not only make beef more affordable but also improve incomes for local farmers, especially as Sarawak remains highly dependent on Australian beef imports.
'The long-term goal is to make our agriculture sector self-sufficient, ensuring stable supply so that demand can be met and prices controlled,' he said.
A national daily had earlier reported that the average price of beef in Sarawak stands at RM64 per kg, significantly higher than in other states where prices range between RM27 and RM48 per kg.
In some cases, premium cuts such as fillet can fetch prices as high as RM95 per kg, making Sarawak's beef among the most expensive in the country. — The Borneo Post
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
an hour ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Consumer body cuts ties with deregistered Ikhlas
Nadzim Johan, chief activist of PPIM, said the association did not want to work with illegal NGOs. PETALING JAYA : A consumer body has said it would no longer work with Ikhlas, a society for small-time entrepreneurs, after learning it had been deregistered three years ago. The Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) said it had no idea that Ikhlas had been deregistered when jointly presenting a memorandum to the home ministry recently, according to the Scoop website. 'We do not want the public to question our credibility for joining forces with an NGO that has been deregistered,' PPIM chief activist Nadzim Johan was quoted as saying. 'Nor do we want to work with illegal NGOs. There are other NGOs whom we could work with.' On Friday, the Registrar of Societies confirmed that Ikhlas was deregistered in November 2022 for failing to submit annual financial statements. The society, which had listed former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its patron, was led by Ridzuan Abdullah, who is also on the secretariat of Gabungan Ikhlas Malaysia, a group which issued statements in early January on the addendum linked to Najib Razak. Ridzuan recently claimed that the NGO did not receive any notice about its deregistration, and also stated that the Covid-19 pandemic made it difficult for Ikhlas to hold meetings and submit its financial statements. Two years ago, it was reported that Ridzuan had been charged with 12 counts of filing fraudulent claims totalling RM378,000 to the Social Security Organisation to obtain incentives from the Penjana Kerjaya 2.0 Programme.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
PM: Embrace diversity as a strength, not a source of division
KUCHING: Racial diversity should be embraced as a strength to enhance national unity, rather than as a battleground for rivalry or a means to showcase superiority and ego, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said that in many other countries, such diversity has led to racial and religious hostility, eventually burdening the nation and negatively affecting the people. "Unity within our multiracial society is increasingly essential to ensure that Malaysia remains strong amid the current uncertain global geopolitical landscape. "Never underestimate the potential problems if you are disunited. "The geopolitical conditions are so challenging and alarming. "The future is never certain. But what we can ensure is a united Malaysia," he said. Anwar was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here on Sunday night, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the event. Anwar said as prime minister, he feels proud in showcasing the country's cultural and racial diversity, especially as Malaysia assumes the Asean chairmanship this year and when receiving foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders. He said this was exemplified during a recent meeting with ConocoPhillips chairman and chief executive officer Ryan Lance, where he wore a traditional Iban outfit gifted to him earlier by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. "So I told him (Ryan) about Sarawak, about the beauty of the culture, that's what we have to do. "And I take great pride as a Malaysian to speak to one of the great multi-billion dollar companies, probably one of the biggest oil companies in the world and number one in the United States," he said. Meanwhile, Anwar also announced that he will meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto this Friday to discuss a proposal for Sarawak to be positioned as a hub for the Asean Power Grid (APG). He said Sarawak, with its strengths in hydroelectric, gas and hydrogen energy, has the potential to spearhead the APG, not only by linking to Sabah and Indonesia's Kalimantan, but also extending to the southern Philippines.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Embrace Diversity As A Strength, Not A Source Of Division
KUCHING, June 22 (Bernama) -- Racial diversity should be embraced as a strength to enhance national unity, rather than as a battleground for rivalry or a means to showcase superiority and ego, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said that in many other countries, such diversity has led to racial and religious hostility, eventually burdening the nation and negatively affecting the people. 'Unity within our multiracial society is increasingly essential to ensure that Malaysia remains strong amid the current uncertain global geopolitical landscape. 'Never underestimate the potential problems if you are disunited. The geopolitical conditions are so challenging and alarming. The future is never certain. But what we can ensure is a united Malaysia,' he said. Anwar was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the event. Anwar said as prime minister, he feels proud in showcasing the country's cultural and racial diversity, especially as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year and when receiving foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders. He said this was exemplified during a recent meeting with ConocoPhillips Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Lance, where he wore a traditional Iban outfit gifted to him earlier by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. 'So I told him (Ryan) about Sarawak, about the beauty of the culture, that's what we have to do. And I take great pride as a Malaysian to speak to one of the great multi-billion dollar companies, probably one of the biggest oil companies in the world and number one in the United States,' he said.
