More conducive environment to attract investments in agriculture sector

PETALING JAYA: The government will provide more tools and assistance to create a conducive environment to attract investments in agriculture and agrobased industry in the country.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Sim Tze Tzin said, therefore, the veterinary profession could also play a greater role in ensuring that the industry especially livestock industry continued to grow.

“Stakeholders in the industry I believe are working hard to increase the self-sufficiency level of beef and milk.

“Therefore it is also essential for the veterinary profession to share and discuss new findings related to animal and human health to help the sector grow and deliver its expected targets,” he said in his speech at the launching of the 30th Veterinary Association Malaysia Congress yesterday.

On food safety, he pointed out that the role of the veterinarian was crucial in ensuring the hygienic status of food from animal origin for consumption.

Citing the recent laksa food poisoning incident in Kedah, Sim said it was a classic example of why it was important to ensure vigilance over food safety.

On a related matter, Sim complimented the Department of Veterinary Sabah (DVS) for bringing the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) under control that previously had resulted in a ban on the avian export products to the Middle East, Indonesia and Japan.

“We are looking forward to self-declare Malaysia to be free from HPAI from end of November 2018”, he said.

Meanwhile, touching on rabies cases in Sarawak, he said the rabies control in the state was still ‘work in progress’.

‘I am sure that the veterinarians are doing their level best to bring the disease under control in a very challenging environment where occurrence of the disease is high in our neighbouring country,” he added.

A total of 350 participants are taking part in the two-day event themed ‘Healthy Animals Healthy Society’ and also present was Veterinary Association Malaysia president Datuk Dr Quaza Nizamuddin Hassan.