LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA - A CHALLANGE

IN MALAYSIA reported that the livestock sub-sector industry contributed 14.9% (RM14.8 billion) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of agriculture sector in 2018 and status quo in subsequent years. The total ex-farm value of livestock production was RM 22.84 billion in 2018 in which the poultry industry contributed 74.7% to this value, producing RM11.69 billion meat and RM 5.37 billion eggs while ruminants contributed 8.26% with a combined ex-farm value of RM1.89 billion from beef, mutton, hide and milk. Ruminant livestock farming is mainly by smallholders. The capital intensive and slow return of ruminant farming are not favoured to be run commercially despite the emphasis and priority given by the Government. The Self-sufficiency Level (SSL) for beef and mutton in 2018 were 22.88% and 10.95% respectively while milk was 61.27%. However, the policy on milk production is to fulfil liquid milk only. The per capita consumption of ruminant products in 2018 were 6.3kg and 1.3kg for beef and mutton respectively while liquid milk was 1.9 litres. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I write the livestock industry in Malaysia in a simple analysis.

A report titled 'Cattle industry needs to expand” (NST, Sept 2024) as stated by Agriculture Minister is timely. Reported that thousands of head of cattle, sheep and goats are slaughtered every year in Malaysia for Korban and Aqiqah rites. Korban means sacrifice of an animal for the pleasure of Allah. This is done during the haj season, from the 9th to 12th of the Muslim month of Zulhijjah every year, to remember the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim to slaughter his beloved son Ismail after dreaming of such a command from Allah. But Ismail was instead replaced, by angels, with a sacrificial animal. It is not a religious obligation​ for Muslims, but necessary for all those who can afford to offer the sacrifice. More and more cattle, goats and sheep are needed yearly for Korban and Aqiqah (on the birth of a child). Malaysia does not place the importance of animal husbandry as a means of increasing the number of domestic animals. Malaysia are still not self-sufficient in meat and its byproducts and have to import millions of ringgit worth of cattle, sheep and goats not only for our daily consumption buat als for Korban and Aqiqah. Many feel that not only the government but also the private sector should give priority to increasing the number of domestic animals to meet the high demand for livestock. Malaysia should not be relying on imports as the demand for these animals will always be there. It due to Malaysia has ample land, especially in Sabah and Sarawak to start feedlot cattle, sheep and goat industries. In other scenario that the authorities should have an abattoir and a halal meat-processing plant in every state to process, pack and can excess Korban meat for distribution to the poor. By this way, nothing goes to waste as the whole animal will serve a purpose. For example, the skin and wool can be used to preserve the heritage skills among the poor World Muslim communities. Suggested that the government and the relevant​ agencies study the New Zealand way of packing and canning Korban meat for distribution to poor Muslims in war-torn countries.

Issue on factors 'Many not keen to venture into livestock business' in Malaysia keep roaring. Reported that the buffalo meat from India is cheaper than locally-slaughtered beef, and this has affected Malaysia’s self-sufficiency in livestock. The dearth of livestock farming and cheap meat imports in the past six years have affected Malaysia’s self-sufficiency in livestock (SSL). Buffalo meat from India was cheaper than so called 'locally-slaughtered beef' while mutton from Australia was cheaper to buy than the cost of breeding the goats and sheep here in Malaysia. As a signatory member to the World Trade Organisation, Malaysia cannot restrict or stop the importation of these meats as long as they fulfil the requirements and pass inspection. Australian goats are usually feral while the sheep are reared for its wool. Exporters need only to send them here for slaughtering in which the cost of production is practically zero. The government was at a crossroads where SSL was concerned. On the one hand, it wanted to make available affordably-priced meats to consumers, and on the other hand, it wanted farmers to earn a reasonable income. The price consumers want to pay is lower than the acceptable margin and that’s why many people are not keen to venture into the livestock business. Beef is a price-controlled item and it tagged at between RM30 and RM35/kg but the ideal price should be within the RM35 to RM38 range for farmers to make a decent profit. In Malaysia livestock farming, especially cattle is cost-intensive as these ruminants need to be fed and cared for up to two or three years until they reached the ideal weight to be slaughtered. It is a different story altogether where goats are concerned as they can be sold for slaughter as early as 8 months old. Chicken and duck eggs are the only commodities that saw an increase in production. The government was promoting a two-pronged approach to the cattle industry where bulls (male cows) are taken for meat production while heifers (female cows) were used for the dairy industry to produce milk. Reported that fresh milk production was set at 36 million litres yearly, with the aim of adding another 20 million litres in the next five years. The increase in cow milk production would enable the country to be self-sufficient. The goat’s milk was an attractive segment as there was a niche market for it as it had medicinal value. Citing an example, he said, a company in Kluang, Johor, was exporting goat’s milk to Singapore at RM5 for a 200ml bottle. The government would need to continue assisting and supporting entrepreneurs in the sector. Malaysia actually need to assist local players and providing them with assistance in funding by offering loans at a lower interest rate and also in terms of technology where we can encourage them to plant their own grass as an alternative source for feeds and reduce concentrates and many more. It may take a few years to generate returns in which 'Patience is the key'. It is vital to sustain their interest and efforts. This is an ongoing effort with challenges, but it will be worth it. Malaysia population is at 34 million and this will reach 50 million by 2040 for sure the demand for food will rise. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Malacca,

Malaysia.

(December 2024).