PAHANG INKS SIX MOUS WITH AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY PLAYERS

KUANTAN, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- The Pahang government has signed six Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Australian agricultural industry players to strengthen its position as a key sector leader in Malaysia and enhance national food security.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the MoUs were finalised during the state’s Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Sector Technical Benchmarking Visit to Australia, which began on Jan 28 and runs until Feb 4.

He said the agreements include collaborations between AGK Dairy Fresh Sdn Bhd and Austrex Co for the development of the wagyu beef industry in Pahang, while the Pahang Agricultural Development Board and ZML Agritrade PTY LTD will work together on high-quality goat and sheep farming projects.

“The MoUs also cover a partnership between Rangkaian Delima Sdn Bhd and JBS Australia PTY Limited in the import, distribution and development of halal meat-based products.

“Rangkaian Delima Sdn Bhd, ZML Agritrade PTY LTD and Australia Halal Authority and Advisers signed an MoU to ensure a syariah-compliant halal supply chain,” he said in a statement today.

Wan Rosdy said two other MoUs were signed between Yayasan Pahang and ZML Agritrade PTY LTD, focusing on training, internships and career assurance for Pahang youths in agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors.

The delegation also witnessed the signing of an MoU between Yayasan Pahang and the Cobram Islamic Community to implement the Tafaqquh Fiddin programme.

“With these technological transfers and cooperation, the state government is confident these initiatives will benefit the people, enhance food security, and create more job opportunities for Pahang youths.

“Apart from the MoUs, the delegation, joined by state Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology and Education Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi Abd Razak, also engaged in several meetings and visits to strengthen Pahang’s food security sector,” said Wan Rosdy.

The delegation’s technical visits included Mainstream Aquaculture, Werribee Victoria, to explore barramundi farming technology and systems, and Goulburn Valley Creamery and Greater Shepparton cattle farms to observe dairy production with Farm Fresh.

“We toured cattle and sheep farms in Cobram, operated by Temerloh native Mohd Zaki Mat Li, as well as Ulupna Pastoral Feedlot farms, to see the breeding of high-quality wagyu and angus cattle.

“Furthermore, we explored the JBS livestock abattoir to study slaughtering and meat processing procedures that comply with Australian halal certification and engaged with the Cobram Islamic community to strengthen ties and promote Islamic values abroad,” he said.

-- BERNAMA