Special Select Committee Proposes Key Measures For Hybrid Cattle Industry Development

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- The Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Domestic Trade, Entrepreneurship, Cost of Living, and Agriculture has outlined seven key recommendations, aimed at boosting the development of Malaysia's hybrid cattle industry, which holds significant potential.

Committee chairman Cha Kee Chin highlighted the need for a major shift in approach by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), to ensure that the industry receives adequate government attention, and is not treated as a part-time initiative.

He emphasised that cooperation from other agencies is essential, to avoid overburdening MAFS alone.

“If we place this responsibility solely on MAFS or its agencies, it won’t be sufficient,” Cha remarked.

“For instance, RISDA (Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority) and FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) manage large oil palm plantations, and experts have suggested that these areas are well-suited for cattle farming.

He shared these insights during a briefing, titled 'Potensi Industri Lembu Hibrid Pedaging di Malaysia' (Potential of the Hybrid Cattle Industry in Malaysia), at the Dewan Rakyat today.

The Rasah Member of Parliament said that the committee also recommended that all government-linked companies (GLCs) provide capital injections to small-scale hybrid cattle breeders, to help them scale up their operations.

Additionally, Cha proposed forming a coalition of cooperatives, which would unite private breeders, enabling a more comprehensive and coordinated effort to develop the industry.

“MAFS and DVS must ensure the availability of all necessary technical expertise, including the deployment of experienced artificial insemination technicians across the country,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for strict enforcement to curb cattle smuggling at the borders, as it undermines local efforts and negatively impacts the interests of domestic breeders.

Cha called on state governments to cooperate, noting that land falls under their jurisdiction, and urged them to support the nationwide growth of the industry.

“I hope that MAFS will take this proposal seriously, so that this industry can contribute to the nation's prosperity," he added.

-- BERNAMA