Perak empowers local fresh meat entrepreneurs
PETALING JAYA: The Perak Agricultural Development Corporation (SADC), a state government-linked company, has been actively empowering local cattle entrepreneurs to increase the production of fresh meat to meet domestic demand.
State Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Razman Zakaria said various initiatives had been implemented by Perak SADC, especially in the supply and marketing of local fresh meat.
“Perak SADC had taken the first step by participating in the local fresh meat supply project.
“This involved the purchase of local cattle, slaughtering carcass and subsequently marketing and sales that focuses on the hotel, restaurant and cafe segment through Perak SADC’s subsidiary, Eurofresh Sdn Bhd,” he told a press conference at Hotel Royale Chulan Damansara here on Friday.
Razman said the local fresh meat supply project was also one of Perak SADC’s initial steps to develop a Fresh Meat Hub, which is expected to provide additional income to 55 livestock entrepreneurs, as well as minimise dependence on sales only during festive seasons such as Hari Raya Aidiladha.
He said Perak SADC targeted to purchase 200 cattle per month to market fresh meat, which involves a cost of RM9.6 million per year.
“Up to February this year, we have purchased and marketed 440 local cattle.”
Razman said Hotel Royale Chulan Damansara was one of the regular customers of Eurofresh. The hotel obtains fresh meat supply for its Ramadan buffet.
Among the dishes prepared using fresh meat are grilled meat (shink), rendang tok, a variety of soups, beef barbecue ––and meat briyani.
Razman said another regular customer of Eurofresh was Segi Fresh Supermarket, along with traders at pasar tani (farmers’ market) and mini market.
He said Perak SADC also initiated Program Usahawan Freezer (Freezer Entrepreneur Programme), which aimed to provide assistance to 100 entrepreneurs.
“These entrepreneurs will be provided with a freezer and the first supply of fresh meat.
“Entrepreneurs under this programme will be assisted until they set up their own shops.”
He said the Economic Stimulus Implementation and Coordination Unit Between National Agencies (Laksana) had allocated a fund of RM5 million for Perak SADC, RM3.2 million of which would be used to purchase 800 cattle.
“The balance of RM1.8 million will be used to upgrade the facilities at Dusun Rasau Perdana, Gelong Gajah, and strengthen the businesses of livestock entrepreneurs.”
Razman said to expand its role in the industry, Perak SADC would be upgrading feedlot facilities owned by livestock entrepreneurs and establish a centre to gather all cattle in Lekir.
He said the centre would serve as a pilot site for the development of a major Halal Meat Hub in the area.
“Perak SADC is also in the process of establishing a local meat processing centre in Behrang.”
Razman also said Perak SADC’s direct involvement was to ensure that the shortage of local fresh meat supply could be addressed and to minimise dependence on imported meat in the domestic market.
“We hope to develop the local cattle industry and provide added value to livestock entrepreneurs in Perak to increase their income.”
Meanwhile, Perak SADC chief executive officer Yahanis Yahya hoped that all the efforts taken by the corporation would increase the demand and supply of fresh meat in the country, allowing the livestock entrepreneurs to generate a steady income.
“We also hope that more hotels will support our efforts by using fresh local meat in their menu.”