Sabah to set up consultative committee to support local poultry sector

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 11): An industry engagement session at Wisma Pertanian here on Friday gathered key industry players to discuss and coordinate issues related to the supply and market pricing.

Chaired by Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, the meeting was attended by 73 participants comprising local poultry farmers and importers, as well as animal feed manufacturers.

Also present were the ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong, Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sabah director Dr Zul Bahar Abdul Rashid, Sabah Frozen Food and Meat Importers Association president Lim Young Peing, and Rastamas Group chairman Datuk Md Tahir Picho, also a poultry operator.

“The ministry understands the need to import certain chicken parts, particularly wings, thighs and breasts, to meet market demand and the needs of the food industry,” said Jamawi.

“At the same time, all industry players must comply with government regulations, including halal requirements, price controls and conditions governing the importation of poultry products from overseas.

“The ministry will continue to ensure that local poultry farmers are given priority and support to maintain a stable supply of chicken meat and eggs in the state,” he added.

Jamawi also said his ministry had agreed to establish a consultative committee set to facilitate win-win negotiations in achieving the objectives agreed upon during the engagement session.

This followed a proposal by Md Tahir of forming an integrated committee involving the three main stakeholders: the local farmers, the importers and the feed producers, towards better coordination of supply and pricing issues.

Jamawi also said the ministry would hold meetings at least three times a month to help ensure more stable local production, and also to achieve the target of 100 per cent self-sufficiency level.

Meanwhile, Lim described the engagement session as ‘the first of its kind’, and expressed appreciation to Jamawi for bringing together all industry players for an open dialogue with the minister.