Johor will become the country’s largest hub for beef production through proposed cattle-breeding projects in Muar, Segamat and Pagoh.

Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Salahuddin Ayub said he would be tabling a proposal on the matter to the Cabinet to secure immediate approval.

"Previously, I had made a statement regarding the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC). I will propose to the cabinet to continue with the project, with the goal of supplying 30 percent of the local meat demand," he told reporters after attending a meeting with Johor Menteri Besar Osman Sapian at the latter’s office in Kota Iskandar today.

Salahuddin, who is also Pulai MP, said in the meeting he had requested Osman to review the status of lands in Muar, Segamat and Pagoh that were previously cattle farms for NFC.

He said the working paper for the cattle-breeding projects including the detailing of the land areas involved would be prepared by Johor Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee chairperson Dr Sahruddin Jamal.

"We assure that this project will be carried out in a responsible and transparent manner. It will be monitored by the ministry to ensure that its goals are achieved.

“Many young entrepreneurs will also be involved in this project. We will choose entrepreneurs who are interested in the venture and aspire to become successful cattle breeders.

"We may either change NFC’s name or rebrand the programme,” said Salahuddin, adding that initial work for the project would be carried out immediately following its approval in two weeks’ time.

Meanwhile, commenting on the issue of price hikes, he said there were those who took advantage of the situation by raising the price of meat.

"Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has yet to appoint the domestic trade, cooperatives and consumerism minister. We are waiting for instructions from the cabinet.

“On Wednesday, this issue (price hikes) will also be discussed at the cabinet level. In my opinion, we need to also look into elements of sabotage regarding the issue,” he added.

- Bernama