TAWAU: The Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, has highlighted the growing prominence of Kinabalu Beef as one of Sabah’s top premium local meat brands. He emphasised that the product not only matches the quality of imported beef but is also produced through a fully sustainable farming system that has received JAKIM Halal certification.
During a working visit to the Sawit Kinabalu integrated cattle and oil palm plantation project in Balung, Tawau, today, Chan described the visit as an important opportunity to assess Sabah’s livestock industry’s potential in strengthening the nation’s food security.
“Through Sawit Kinabalu Farm Products (SKFP), Sabah now has more than 10,000 cattle within an integrated farming system,” he said. “This initiative helps increase local beef production while reducing the use of pesticides and chemicals on farms, promoting a more sustainable approach.”
He added that the company is cultivating Napier grass as a feed source for the cattle, supporting operations at an upcoming intensive breeding and feedlot centre. “This strategy is vital for ensuring a more stable and sustainable supply of livestock feed in the long term,” he explained.
Chan also inspected the operations of the Intensive Cattle Breeding and Feedlot Centre (SKLIC), the oil palm-cattle integrated farm, livestock feed mill, Napier grass cultivation areas, and the Balung Beef Centre, which operates on a “Farm to Fork” concept to ensure a well-managed industry chain.
The Deputy Minister expressed pride that Kinabalu Beef products are now distributed to hotels, restaurants, and wholesalers across Sabah. “This demonstrates the significant potential of Sabah’s livestock industry to expand further and access wider markets,” he said.
He acknowledged, however, that challenges such as high operational costs, competition from imported beef, and logistical issues still need to be addressed.
“Previously, the Ministry allocated RM15 million to Sawit Kinabalu to bolster beef production in Sabah,” he noted. “Continued support from both the State and Federal Governments is essential for the sustainable and competitive growth of Sabah’s livestock sector.”
Chan concluded by emphasising Sabah’s advantages in biosecurity and extensive land resources. “With the cooperation of all parties, I am confident that Sabah can become one of the country’s leading hubs for local beef production in the future.”-pr/BNN
