Latest news with #AgricultureandFoodSecurityCommittee
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Melaka to introduce QR code tags for livestock in 2026
MELAKA: The Melaka government will roll out QR code tags for livestock in 2026 to enhance tracking and reduce accidents caused by stray animals. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh announced the initiative today at the Melaka State Legislative Assembly. The system will primarily target cattle and buffaloes, allowing authorities to identify owners of animals that wander onto roads and pose risks to motorists. Dr Akmal said manual ear tagging will begin this August as a preliminary step before the digital system is implemented. 'Once in place, this system will allow enforcement action against owners whose animals cause accidents, injuries or fatalities,' he said. The QR code tags will be integrated with Melaka's Digital Village Initiative to create a centralised livestock database. Farmers will undergo training and register their animals with the Department of Veterinary Services (JPV). Responding to concerns about counterfeiting, Dr Akmal assured that each tag will have a unique serial number to prevent duplication. 'If the animal is sold, the owner must notify JPV to update ownership and issue a new QR code,' he added. - Bernama
New Straits Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Melaka to build, repair Orang Asli homes starting next year
MELAKA: The Melaka government will launch a new initiative next year to build and repair homes for the Orang Asli community through the Melaka Housing Board (LPM), ensuring they have safe and comfortable living conditions. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the initiative aims to ensure Orang Asli communities are not excluded from state government aid or development programmes. "To date, we've received 70 requests for home repairs or new houses from Orang Asli residents. Work will begin in phases next year, based on need and priority," he told reporters here today after the launch of the Orang Asli Entrepreneurs Carnival (KUOA). The event was officiated by Rural and Regional Development Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy) Datuk Abdul Kahar Abdullah. He said the state had received allocations from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) to repair two homes and build one new unit, but the funds were insufficient to address the number of requests. "We received many reports of dilapidated house. The State Executive Council has agreed to provide additional support," he said. Dr Muhamad Akmal added that the state has also introduced other assistance, including health insurance and death benefit schemes for community leaders, as well as school aid for Orang Asli students. He added that the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is helping Orang Asli entrepreneurs promote and market their forest-based products, an effort expected to expand their market reach and boost sales. In conjunction with World Tourism Day (WTD) and the World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2025 in September, Orang Asli crafts, food and forest products will also be showcased to both domestic and international visitors. "So far, around 20 Orang Asli entrepreneurs in Melaka show strong potential, especially with forest-based products that have added value," he said. Earlier, he said 62 Orang Asli entrepreneurs from across Peninsular Malaysia were participating in KUOA, held over three days at Dataran Pahlawan. The carnival also features agency exhibitions, cultural performances, traditional games demonstrations, an Orang Asli cultural village and performances by well-known local artists. – BERNAMA
The Sun
22-06-2025
- General
- The Sun
Melaka poultry farm shut over odour and fly complaints
JASIN: A poultry farm in Simpang Bekoh here has been ordered to shut down immediately following ongoing complaints over foul odours and fly infestations that have caused discomfort to residents. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the company failed to resolve the issues despite being repeatedly fined. 'The revocation of the operating licence falls under the authority of the Melaka Department of Veterinary Services director, and the premises will only be allowed to resume operations once the company meets five stipulated hygiene and the satisfaction of the residents. '...as long as the company fails to take corrective measures and comply with the conditions, the factory will not be allowed to operate,' he told reporters at Taman Kesang Damai here. Earlier, he launched the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) programme under the Bemban state constituency, which was also attended by the State Housing, Local Government, Irrigation, Climate Change, and Disaster Management Committee chairman, Datuk Rais Yasin. Elaborating, Dr Muhamad Akmal said the farm closure, which has been in effect since June 18, involves the main coop housing between 70,000 and 80,000 chickens. He said the main issue was poor management, as the company had only assigned 12 workers to handle 16 coops, resulting in inefficient waste management that led to foul odours and fly infestations. 'This (closure) action is not intended to burden the operator, but rather to safeguard the well-being of residents in the area and to ensure that all companies involved in the state's livestock sector comply with the prescribed regulations,' he said. Meanwhile, he said the WRUR programme, which provides a platform for the public to voice their concerns directly, reflects the state government's commitment to addressing the people's issues comprehensively, in addition to strengthening governance based on the needs of the people and ensuring that no community is left behind. '...four state constituencies have completed the WRUR programme, and we are (conducting the programme) in the fifth, where we will be stationed here for two weeks with the full involvement of state government machinery, including departments, agencies, and local authorities,' he added.
The Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Heavy-muscled calf among prizes awaiting visitors at Melaka Agrofest 2025
MELAKA: A heavy-muscled calf worth over RM10,000 will be up for grabs in a lucky draw at Melaka Agrofest 2025, set to take place at Dataran Sejarah Ayer Keroh from June 27 to 29. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said 15,000 Melaka guavas will also be distributed for free to visitors. 'The Melaka Agrofest 2025 will run from 10 am to 11 pm, and this year we are targeting a total of 50,000 visitors throughout the event, with an expected total sales value of RM1.5 million,' he told a press conference in Ayer Keroh here today. Dr Muhamad Akmal said 40 departments and agencies are taking part in this year's event, which will also feature 14 main competition categories offering a combined prize pool of RM30,000. He said Melaka Agrofest 2025 is not merely an agricultural fair but also showcases the latest agricultural technology, promotes local entrepreneurs' products, and recognises the role of farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen in ensuring national food security. 'The festival also aims to raise awareness of the importance of the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors to national development, while opening up wider market opportunities for local products,' he said. He added that the programme will also feature a special performance by popular local nasyid group UNIC during the 'Malam Demi Cinta Suci' on June 27, with lucky visitors also standing a chance to win an umrah package.
Barnama
16-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Heavy-Muscled Calf Among Prizes Awaiting Visitors At Melaka Agrofest 2025
MELAKA, June 16 (Bernama) -- A heavy-muscled calf worth over RM10,000 will be up for grabs in a lucky draw at Melaka Agrofest 2025, set to take place at Dataran Sejarah Ayer Keroh from June 27 to 29. State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said 15,000 Melaka guavas will also be distributed for free to visitors. 'The Melaka Agrofest 2025 will run from 10 am to 11 pm, and this year we are targeting a total of 50,000 visitors throughout the event, with an expected total sales value of RM1.5 million,' he told a press conference in Ayer Keroh here today.
