RM99.05 million to build Sabah’s livestock sub-sector: Hajiji
Published on: Saturday, May 25, 2024
Hajiji hopes that the Desa Group’s Board of Directors and Management will continue to help in developing the agricultural industry, especially the development of agro-food in Sabah, in addition to continuing to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) in particular in helping the welfare of its employees.
Kota Kinabalu: The State Government has allocated RM99.05 million for the livestock sub-sector for management expenses and the implementation of 43 development projects that aim to increase the quality of livestock-based food as well as improve the level of food security, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said various programmes were also implemented to help entrepreneurs in the livestock industry to increase production efficiency and income this year.
ADVERTISEMENT
He said the State Government will continue to ensure its supporting role in providing infrastructure facilities such as roads, water and electricity supplies to support agro-integration of food value supply chain.
“The Government and all government-related companies (GLCs) involved in the agro-food production sector will complement each other to achieve optimum synergy,” he said at the Desa 2024 Appreciation Night at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), here, Friday.
Hajiji said the Desa group of companies has achieved stable business growth with a strong financial position since 2012 until now, through the implementation of various business recovery and financial restructuring strategies which were largely funded by internally generated cash reserves.
“I believe this is the result of very effective and efficient fund management and strategic planning by the Desa board and management.
ADVERTISEMENT
Desa continues to move forward in business modernisation and development and is able to give positive returns to shareholders’ investment.
Until now, Desa has given a dividend of RM30.5 million to the State Government,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Desa needs to continue to increase productivity: CM
According to him, the Desa group of companies plays an important role in transforming Sabah’s agricultural sector, especially the livestock sub-sector into a modern, dynamic and competitive sector, in line with the aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).
He believes that Desa’s success in taking over the Keningau Integrated Livestock Centre Project (KILC) from the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) in July 2021 would help lead the ruminant industry in the State.
He said Desa is one of the main producers of chicken and fresh milk in Sabah and needs to continue to increase productivity and produce quality products, expand production capacity and modern farming technology to support intensive and sustainable poultry and livestock farming in the State.
“I believe it can be done because Desa has implemented projects to modernise infrastructure and production facilities at several Dsea premises in the poultry business at a cost of RM18 million over the past five years.
“Among them are the improvement of chicken slaughter house facilities in Lok Kawi, the reconstruction and addition of modern chicken coops in Kabang, Papar, the construction of new housing/quarters for farm workers in Bongawan, as well as the modernisation of chicken coops,” he said.
Hajiji said Desa has also increased the production capacity of dairy and agro tourism products in Mesilau by implementing an additional construction project for a dairy cow shed at a cost of RM8 million which is equipped with modern equipment to ensure “animal welfare” and “cow comfort” are maintained, with loads up to 200 cows.
According to him, the planning to open up “New Farm Shop” as well as more visitor activity areas and parking spaces to ensure the convenience of visitors to Dsea Dairy Farm, with an expenditure of RM7.8 million can accommodate more visitors to the area.
He also wants Desa to continue to implement effective business strategies to increase sales, increase the value of the DESA brand in terms of marketing, retail and product diversity, including opening more Desa Fresh Mart (DFM) stores in the State to enable Desa products to be marketed to customers and consumers. more widely.
He said since 2020, five DFM have been opened by Desa in Kota Belud, Ranau, Papar, Tuaran and Sulaman, while in Kudat will be opened at the end of this month, and in Beaufort and Tenom this year, making a total of 20 stores DFM, including a dairy kiosk (DESA MOO) at Imago Shopping Mall.
Hajiji hopes that the Desa Group’s Board of Directors and Management will continue to help in developing the agricultural industry, especially the development of agro-food in Sabah, in addition to continuing to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) in particular in helping the welfare of its employees.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
.jpg)
