By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 7: Strict control over meat imports is among the key factors behind the soaring price of fresh beef in Sarawak, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He acknowledged that Sarawak records the highest beef prices in the country, with some areas reporting prices as steep as RM95 per kilogram.
“In Sarawak, the price of beef is among the most expensive, partly because the Sarawak government enforces tight import restrictions, especially on countries not certified free from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD).
“We only allow imports from countries confirmed to be free from these diseases,” he told reporters after attending a Hari Raya Aidiladha sacrificial ceremony organised by the Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) of Kampung Sungai Laruh at Masjid Taman Hussein in Petra Jaya today.
To help stabilise prices in the long term, Fadillah who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and Petra Jaya MP, proposed expanding local cattle farming.
“I suggest encouraging more local cattle rearing. Increasing domestic production could better balance demand and supply, potentially making prices more stable and affordable,” he said.
However, he acknowledged challenges in the local cattle industry, particularly in sourcing quality breeding stock.
“The main challenge now is finding suitable breeds for local farming.
“We need to work closely with the Veterinary Department and Agriculture Department to identify and develop these breeds scientifically and systematically,” he added.
Yesterday (June 6), news portal Harian Metro reported that beef prices in Sarawak have reached up to RM95 per kilogram, depending on location. — DayakDaily
