MONDAY, 8 AUGUST – Efforts by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to develop the Livestock Feed Research Centre at Apin-Apin, Keningau has the full supported of Assistant Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Sabah, Datuk Hj. Sairin Hj. Karno.

Speaking at the opening of the Farmers Entrepreneurship and UMS With-the-people Programme at SMK Apin-Apin recently, he stressed that the livestock industry in Sabah had a huge potential for development.

“Sabah’s strategic position and free from major livestock diseases give us the advantage to develop the livestock industry.  However, the cost of livestock feed seems to be the major barrier as the cost are high resulting in higher operating cost,” he said.

Datuk Sairin also hoped that the establishment of this centre could help the state government in formulating nutritious livestock feed with a more reasonable cost and the use of local food resources available in Sabah.

He also added that the state government through the Sabah Agricultural Policy focused on the development of food security and food production in Sabah.

“With this centre, entrepreneurship programmes added with the support from UMS, the state government expects more young entrepreneurs, especially youths can become successful and well-known entrepreneurs, helping in the development of the agriculture industry in Sabah,” he further added.

Also present at the one-day programme were the Vice-Chancellor of UMS, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd Harun Abdullah;, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and International, Professor Dr. D Kamarudin D Mudin; Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation UMS, Professor Dr. Shahril Yusof; UMS Registrar, No’man Datuk Ahmad; Senior Officers of UMS, students of SMK Apin-Apin and the surrounding community. – CD (fl)

Photo: Musaab Umair