MAFFI Holds Poultry Industry Engagement Session

10 January 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, chaired a Poultry Industry Engagement Session at Wisma Pertanian here today.

The session was attended by 73 participants, including local chicken farmers, chicken importers, and animal feed manufacturers, in an effort to coordinate issues related to supply and market prices.

Also present were the Ministry’s Secretary-General, Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong; Director of the Sabah Department of Veterinary Services, Dr Zul Bahar Haji Abdul Rashid; President of the Sabah Frozen Food and Meat Importers Association, Lim Young Peing; and Chairman of Rastamas Group, Datuk Md. Tahir Picho, who is also a poultry farmer.

Jamawi stated that the ministry recognises the need to import certain chicken parts, particularly wings, thighs, and breasts, to meet market demand and the requirements of the food industry.

At the same time, he emphasised that all industry players must comply with government regulations, including halal status, price determination, and import requirements for chicken from overseas.

“The ministry will continue to ensure that local farmers are given priority and support in order to maintain a stable supply of chicken meat and eggs in the state,” he said.

Jamawi also mentioned that the ministry had agreed to establish a consultative committee involving producers, importers, and animal feed manufacturers to facilitate win-win negotiations and achieve the objectives agreed upon during the engagement session.

This follows a proposal by Md. Tahir to form a committee involving the three main parties – local farmers, importers, and animal feed producers – to coordinate supply and pricing issues in an integrated manner.

Jamawi further noted that the ministry will hold meetings at least three times a month to help ensure more stable local production and achieve the target of 100 per cent self-sufficiency.

He stressed that he will strive to fulfil his responsibilities to the best of his ability for the benefit of the people of Sabah.

Meanwhile, Lim described the engagement session as the first of its kind and expressed his appreciation to Jamawi for bringing together all industry players to engage in an open dialogue with the minister.