Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

Dr. TanDY

Sabah to start kenaf feed production

Source: The Star Online

Date: 6 May 2006

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is set to be the first state in the country to go commercial in the production of kenaf livestock and ruminant feed if a smart partnership between Harusmas Agro Sdn Bhd and Marditech Sdn Bhd materialises.

The agreement on the smart partnership was signed yesterday, witnessed by Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

Harusmas managing director Abd Rahman Khan said the kenaf project would be in Kanibongan, Pitas, in northern Sabah (Kenaf is the fibre of an east Indian hibiscus plants used traditionally to make rope).

“The first phase, which will probably start in September, will see the development of 500 acres of kenaf plantation for feed production.

“A processing facility costing RM4mil will be set up with a production capacity of eight to 12 tonnes per day. The kenaf feed products are for the domestic and international markets,” he said

Abd Rahman said Harumas would commence on the second phase of the project with the development of 2,000 acres for fibre production in third quarter of 2007.

“A RM3mil fibre-processing facility will be set up to produce high-quality fibres for industrial applications while the third and final phase will be to set a high-technology fibre-composite manufacturing plant,” he said.

Abd Rahman said the market potential of the kenaf feed for dairy in Malaysia was estimated to be 45,000 tonnes per year and the market could be expanded further for the feeding of beef cattle, horses and ruminant animals.

“The international market potential for the kenaf feed is also encouraging, especially among the Japanese breeders,” he said. – Bernama