Latest news with #AdvertisementCommittee
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Chicken rice chain hails Sabah government's poultry decision
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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Boston Globe
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Rubio, at Senate hearing, defends Trump foreign policy as Democratic senators ask pointed questions
He praised agreements with El Salvador and other Latin American countries to accept migrant deportees, saying 'secure borders, safe communities and zero tolerance for criminal cartels are once again the guiding principles of our foreign policy.' He also rejected assertions that massive cuts to his department's budget would hurt America's standing abroad. Instead, he said the cuts would actually improve American status and the U.S. reputation internationally. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Hearing opens with a joke, then turns serious Advertisement Committee Chairman Jim Risch opened the hearing with praise for Trump's changes and spending cuts and welcomed what he called the administration's promising nuclear talks with Iran. Risch also noted what he jokingly called 'modest disagreement' with Democratic lawmakers, who used Tuesday's hearing to confront Rubio about Trump administration moves they say are weakening U.S. influence globally. Yet, Democrats on the committee, including ranking member Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Tim Kaine of Virginia, and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, took sharp issue with Rubio's presentation. Advertisement Shaheen argued that the Trump administration has 'eviscerated six decades of foreign-policy investments' and given China openings around the world. 'I urge you to stand up to the extremists of the administration,' Shaheen said. Other Democrats excoriated the administration for its suspension of the refugee admissions program, particularly while allowing white Afrikaners from South Africa to enter the country. Contentiousness over white South Africans entering the country In two particularly contentious exchanges, Kaine and Van Hollen demanded answers on the decision to suspend overall refugee admissions but to exempt Afrikaners based on what they called 'specious' claims that they have been subjected to massive discrimination by the South African government. Rubio gave no ground. 'The United States has a right to pick and choose who we allow into the United States,' he said. 'If there is a subset of people that are easier to vet, who we have a better understanding of who they are and what they're going to do when they come here, they're going to receive preference.' . — CSPAN (@cspan) He added: 'There are a lot of sad stories around the world, millions and millions of people around the world. It's heartbreaking, but we cannot assume millions and millions of people around the world. No country can.' On the Middle East, Rubio said the administration has continued to push ahead with attempts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and to promote stability in Syria. He stressed the importance of U.S. engagement with Syria, saying that otherwise, he fears the interim government there could be weeks or months away from a 'potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions.' Advertisement Rubio's comments addressed Trump's pledge to lift sanctions on Syria's new transitional government, which is led by a former militant chief who led the overthrow of the country's longtime oppressive leader, Bashar Assad, late last year.
