PONTIAN: The price of a single 'raya' porcupine, which can reach up to RM4,500, comparable to the cost of a small cow, has driven a young man to take up the breeding of this mammal seriously.
According to a Kosmo! report, what began as a hobby of keeping exotic animals seven years ago has now evolved into a full-fledged business for Mohamad Asyraf Mohd Arfah, 30, who is focused on breeding Malayan porcupines (scientific name: Hystrix brachyura).
According to him, the porcupine breeding project has received approval from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), as the animal is classified as a protected species.
"Seven years ago, I started keeping porcupines as a hobby, but over time, they reproduced. Seeing their lucrative value, I decided to breed them commercially.
"I once had up to 40 porcupines, but many have been sold to other breeders as breeding pairs.
"Each breeding porcupine sold can fetch between RM3,500 and RM4,500, depending on its age," he said when met recently in Kampung Parit Dato Onn here.
Mohamad Asyraf added that breeding raya porcupines is relatively easy and not too demanding, as the animals are not prone to diseases. The main focus is on feeding and maintaining cleanliness.
He also mentioned that the current market price for porcupine meat ranges between RM180 and RM240 per kilogramme.