KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has allocated RM99.05 million for the livestock sub-sector to carry out 43 development projects aimed at increasing food security, said state Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
The state government will continue to provide infrastructure facilities such as roads, water supply, and electricity to support the integrated agro-food value chain supply, he said.
"The government will also ensure that all government-linked companies (GLCs) involved in the agro-food production sector will complement each other to achieve optimal synergy," Hajiji said at the Desa 2024 appreciation night at the Sabah International Convention Centre here yesterday.
Hajiji said that the Desa Group of Companies has achieved a strong financial position since 2012 which resulted in them being able to give a dividend of RM30.5 million to the state government.
Desa is transforming Sabah's agricultural sector, especially the livestock sub-sector, into a modern, dynamic, and competitive sector in line with the aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya, he added.
He said that Desa's success in taking over the Keningau Integrated Livestock Centre project from the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) in July 2021 can help lead the ruminant industry in the state.
Hajiji said Desa has invested RM18 million over the past five years to improve the chicken slaughter factory facilities in Lok Kawi, rebuild modern chicken coops in Kabang, Papar, and construct new housing quarters for farm workers in Bongawan.
He added that Desa has also increased the production capacity of dairy products and agro-tourism in Mesilau by building an additional modern dairy cow shed costing RM8 million to ensure animal welfare and cow comfort are maintained.
A new farm shop and parking area will also be built at the Desa Dairy Farm at a cost of RM7.8 million to accommodate more visitors, he said.
Since 2020, the group has opened five Desa Fresh Mart stores in Kota Belud, Ranau, Tuaran, and Sulaman, and will open another three in Kudat, Beaufort, and Tenom in the coming months, making a total of 20 stores, including a dairy kiosk called Desa Moo at Imago shopping mall to boost sales.
Also present at the event were state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Desa Group chairman Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah and board members.