Chicken rice chain hails Sabah government's poultry decision

Daily Express

2 days ago

Published on: Saturday, July 05, 2025
Published on: Sat, Jul 05, 2025 Text Size: Hon said if Sabah's poultry industry could develop in a large-scale, standardised, and Halal-compliant manner, it would not only meet the growing demands of local Muslim consumers but also position Sabah for Asean and Middle Eastern markets. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government's decision to position poultry farming as a core pillar of its agricultural revolution reflects both foresight and firm commitment to food security. This initiative also brings renewed hope and opportunities for local food industry players, said the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah. MCCC has been actively promoting the development of the local agricultural value chain and food production sector.
Advertisement Committee member and founder of the A1 Chicken Rice restaurant chain, Benny Hon Fook Peng, said the vision outlined by State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan to make Sabah the largest poultry-producing State is a strategically significant move. It would not only enhance Sabah's food security but also offer broad and long-term development potential for local F&B operators and rural communities. 'As players in the F&B sector, we've long struggled with volatile costs, inconsistent supply and heavy reliance on external sources. 'This policy direction is expected to boost local poultry supply, encourage more stable pricing mechanisms, and build a more resilient supply chain,' Hon said. He noted that consistent supply and quality of chicken meat are critical factors for the sustainability of chicken rice businesses. 'As a local chicken rice operator in Sabah, if we can obtain a steady supply of high-quality poultry – especially meat that meets Halal certification standards – we'll be able to maintain food quality and pricing while better serving a diverse customer base. 'Chicken rice may seem like a humble dish, but behind it lies the livelihood of countless business owners and daily consumers. What we serve is not just a meal – it is job creation, community economic stimulation, Halal food culture promotion, and a reflection of Sabah's warm and hospitable spirit.' Hon said if Sabah's poultry industry could develop in a large-scale, standardised, and Halal-compliant manner, it would not only meet the growing demands of local Muslim consumers but also position Sabah for Asean and Middle Eastern markets. 'It will create a new economic ecosystem around poultry farming including processing, cold-chain logistics, feed production, packaging, veterinary services, and more. As a committee member of MCCC Sabah, he also urged the Government to maintain close dialogue with industry players and business chambers when rolling out policies. 'For policies to take root, they must be grounded in reality. 'We hope the government will address the operational challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and introduce support such as financing assistance, smallholder training, Halal certification guidance, market linkage platforms, and logistics subsidies ensuring benefits at all levels.' He said MCCC Sabah will continue to play its role as a bridge, helping member companies connect with government resources, training opportunities, and Halal compliance standards. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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