ANIMAL INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA is actively working to boost its low ruminant meat self-sufficiency level (SSL) in which is currently around 20% as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry recently. Stated that by implementing modern technology like AI and drones under the National Agrofood Policy 2021to 2030 (NAP 2.0). The goal is to achieve 50% beef self-sufficiency by 2030 and address the heavy 80% import dependency. The data stated that the key aspects of Meat Production in Malaysia especially for Beef Production Constraints in which Malaysia relies heavily on imports for beef to comply with local production meeting only 20% of demand (approximately about 47,000 tonnes) while 200,000 tonnes are needed annually.  Targeted growth set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security aims to produce 100,000 tonnes of beef locally by 2030. Also mention that for ruminant focused to achieve a 50% SSL by 2030 and the country needs to increase the cattle population significantly with projections of needing over three million cattle by 2040 to be planned. Among challenges reported are include issue on low production, limited modern technology, lack of financing and high dependence on imported fodder. The strategy and innovation required a special committee chaired by the ministry's secretary-general is focusing on AI and modern farming to increase productivity, alongside developing the ruminant industry. In other sector in which for poultry development in which Malaysia holds a higher self-sufficiency in poultry compared to beef. Investment is growing in alternative sources such as the first cultivated meat production facility aimed at promoting sustainable food Malaysia needs three million cattle by 2040 to meet domestic needs for the future. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share the potential and planning by Malaysia for the animal industry. 

 

Malaysia will need more than three million cattle by 2040 to meet domestic meat and dairy supply needs, said Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak. He said the development of the country's ruminant industry was among the main focuses of the ministry in its long-term plan to strengthen the agri-food sector through the application of modern technology such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and drones to increase the sector's productivity. Stated that from 2021 to 2025, Malaysia projected the contribution of this sector is quite large and in future in which the self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) reaching 50 per cent by 2030. This 2025 year, Malaysia have approximately 886,000 cattle but by 2030 needed more than three million cattle to ensure that the food security agenda is achieved, especially in the country's ruminant sector. Various initiatives including breeding programmes, cattle importation and feedlot schemes are being implemented to achieve this goal. To support the poultry and ruminant farming industries sustainably, the ministry is also focusing on developing the grain corn sector, especially to reduce dependence on imported livestock feed. Stated that in previously Malaysia imported 100 per cent of grain corn, but this year the country has begun planting with a production target of approximately 1.25 million tonnes per year for animal feed. The he approaches was in line with the country's food security agenda which required long-term planning and innovation-based, among others, through cooperation with foreign countries, including in the exchange of technology and agricultural practices, as well as ensuring the supply chain. The use of AI technology in aquaculture and drone applications in agricultural activities were seen to be able to optimise input use, reduce dependence on labour, increase production efficiency, thus supporting the sustainability of the agro-food sector. For the fisheries sector remained an important contributor to the country's economy with a contribution of around RM9.18 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter of this year, despite facing various challenges including weather factors and the monsoon season. Regarding Budget 2026 mentioned that the allocation provided by the government reflected the government's continued commitment to the agricultural sector as a strategic sector. Agricultural subsidies are very important to stabilise food prices, guarantee supply and ensure the survival of farmers, padi farmers and fishermen. 

Through Budget 2026, the government has allocated RM6.87 billion to the agriculture sector, an increase of seven per cent compared to the previous year, as an effort to strengthen the country's food security agenda in the face of climate change challenges and global supply chain disruptions. In addition, an allocation of RM2.63 billion has been provided for various subsidies including padi price subsidies, padi crop subsidies, fertilizer subsidies, seed subsidies and padi production incentives as well as assistance to rice farmers, thus recording the highest agricultural subsidy in history. The involvement of youth in the agriculture sector was important to ensure the continuity of the country's food security agenda, given that the majority of agricultural entrepreneurs are now over 60 years old. Through various grant schemes and entrepreneurial support, almost 4,000 agri-entrepreneurs had been established with more than 30 per cent earning an income of more than RM5,000 per month. Aslo stated the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026 will be used as a platform to attract investments, foster strategic collaborations and introduce value-added agricultural technologies to strengthen the country's agricultural ecosystem. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Room 507, Micasa All Suite Hotel,

Kuala Lumpur.

(April 2026).

Updated May 2026.