A National Agriculture Consultative Council is to be set up to generate ideas to empower and improve the productivity of the agro-based industry in line with the current needs, said the new Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Salahuddin Ayub (above).

He said the council would be chaired by a prominent individual in the agricultural sector and comprise experts in the field as the members.

“Besides enhancing the productivity of the sector, the council will also generate proposals to improve the functions and services of the ministry as a whole,” he said to reporters after signing in to begin his official duties as the minister in Putrajaya today.

Salahuddin said the council was expected to be set up in a month’s time and that the working paper on its establishment would be submitted to the Cabinet next week.

He also said that he had instructed the ministry secretary-general Dr Ismail Bakar to prepare a comprehensive report on the National Feedlot Corporation Sdn Bhd for a revaluation in terms of boosting the domestic production of beef.

"The project is good in terms of the goals but there are weaknesses that need to be looked at in terms of the policy and implementation and, if necessary, the matter will be brought to the attention of the prime minister so as to be given a boost,” he said.

 On the appointment of the chairmen of agencies under the ministry, who usually comprised politicians, Salahuddin said he would emphasise the selection of professionals in the agricultural sector.

He said this was in line with the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto which promised to ensure that every government agency was free from political influence, especially in the appointment of the chairperson and board of directors.

- Bernama