Penang Records RM1.9 Billion In Livestock Revenue Last Year

KEPALA BATAS, July 27 (Bernama) -- Penang achieved a Livestock Revenue Value (NHT) of RM1.9 billion last year, reflecting a growth of RM41.54 million from the previous year, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

Chow said poultry and duck products, including meat and eggs, contributed the largest share, accounting for 91.75 per cent of the total NHT in 2024.

“The livestock industry remains a vital source of protein for the people of this state," Chow said.

According to the interim results of the Penang Agricultural Census 2023, the livestock sector is the biggest contributor, representing 44 per cent of the total agricultural sales in the state, which stands at RM3.514 billion.

Chow made these remarks during his speech at the opening of the Penang Farmers, Livestock Breeders, and Fishermen Day at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) in Penang.

The event, running from Friday until today, was also attended by State Agrotechnology, Food Security, and Cooperative Development Committee chairman Fahmi Zainol.

Chow highlighted that the Livestock Enactment aims to transform self-sustaining livestock industries such as poultry and pigs into large-scale, modern farming practices.

The use of closed houses enhances both production quality and environmental sustainability, while the state government remains committed to supporting small-scale, traditional livestock farming, such as ruminants, through the Livestock Industry Development Project.

Additionally, efforts to prevent, control, and eradicate zoonotic and economically significant diseases remain a top priority, ensuring public health and the sustainability of the livestock industry.

Chow also noted that Penang’s agricultural development aligns with the National Agro-Food Policy (DAN 2.0) 2021-2025, which focuses on ensuring sufficient, safe, and accessible food supplies.

He added that the state government is focusing on strategic agricultural parks like Ara Kuda and Mayfield, which employ advanced technology and rank among the top producers in the country.

Furthermore, the federal government's Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) initiative aims to strengthen the rice industry with 12 key initiatives to enhance efficiency and resilience.

-- BERNAMA