The Pahang government has taken a significant step towards bolstering its agricultural sector and enhancing national food security by signing six memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with key players from Australia’s agricultural industry. The agreements were formalised during a technical benchmarking visit to Australia, which commenced on January 28 and will conclude on February 4. This strategic move is set to position Pahang as a pivotal leader in Malaysia’s agricultural landscape.
The MOUs encompass a range of collaborative efforts aimed at advancing various aspects of the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors. One notable partnership is between AGK Dairy Fresh Sdn Bhd and Austrex Co, which will focus on developing the wagyu beef industry in Pahang. This collaboration is expected to introduce advanced breeding and farming techniques, potentially elevating the quality and marketability of locally produced wagyu beef.
Another significant agreement involves the Pahang Agricultural Development Board and ZML Agritrade Pty Ltd, which will collaborate on high-quality goat and sheep farming projects. This initiative is poised to enhance the productivity and sustainability of small ruminant farming in the state, contributing to both economic growth and food security.
The MOUs also include a partnership between Rangkaian Delima Sdn Bhd and JBS Australia Pty Ltd, focusing on the import, distribution, and development of halal meat-based products. This collaboration is designed to ensure a steady supply of high-quality halal meat, catering to the growing demand for shariah-compliant products both locally and internationally.
In addition to these sector-specific collaborations, an MOU was signed between Rangkaian Delima Sdn Bhd, ZML Agritrade Pty Ltd, and the Australia Halal Authority and Advisers to establish a shariah-compliant halal supply chain. This initiative underscores the commitment to maintaining the integrity of halal products throughout the production and distribution processes.
Two other MOUs were signed between Yayasan Pahang and ZML Agritrade, focusing on training, internships, and career assurance for Pahang youths in the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. These agreements aim to equip young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the agricultural industry, fostering a new generation of agricultural professionals.
The delegation, led by Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and accompanied by state Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology and Education Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Soffi Abd Razak, also engaged in several technical visits and meetings. These included tours of Mainstream Aquaculture in Werribee Victoria to explore barramundi farming technology, and visits to Goulburn Valley Creamery and Greater Shepparton cattle farms to observe dairy production systems.
The delegation also toured cattle and sheep farms in Cobram, operated by Temerloh native Mohd Zaki Mat Li, as well as Ulupna Pastoral Feedlot farms, to observe the breeding of high-quality wagyu and angus cattle. Furthermore, they visited the JBS livestock abattoir to study slaughtering and meat processing procedures that comply with Australian halal certification. These visits provided valuable insights into best practices and technological advancements in the industry, which can be adapted and implemented in Pahang.
The state government expressed confidence that these technological transfers and cooperative efforts will yield substantial benefits for the people of Pahang, enhance food security, and create more job opportunities for youths in the state. The delegation also engaged with the Cobram Islamic community to strengthen ties and promote Islamic values abroad, further solidifying the collaborative spirit of the visit.