Sabah's poultry push: A game-changer for food security and F&B growth
KOTA KINABALU (July 4): The Sabah state government's decision to position poultry farming as a core pillar of its agricultural revolution reflects both foresight and firm commitment to food security. This initiative also brings renewed hope and opportunities for local food industry players.
Under the leadership of Datuk Dexter Lau, the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah has been actively promoting the development of the local agricultural value chain and food production sector.
Committee member and founder of the A1 Chicken Rice restaurant chain, Benny Hon Fook Peng, said the vision outlined by Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey — to make Sabah the country's largest poultry-producing state — is a strategically significant move. It will not only enhance Sabah's food security but also offer broad and long-term development potential for local F&B operators and rural communities.
'As players in the F&B sector, we've long struggled with volatile costs, inconsistent supply, and heavy reliance on external sources. I fully welcome this policy direction. It is expected to boost local poultry supply, encourage more stable pricing mechanisms, and build a more resilient supply chain,' Hon said in a statement today.
He noted that consistent supply and quality of chicken meat are critical factors for the sustainability of chicken rice businesses.
'As a local chicken rice operator in Sabah, if we can obtain a steady supply of high-quality poultry especially meat that meets Halal certification standards — we'll be able to maintain food quality and pricing while better serving a diverse customer base.
'Chicken rice may seem like a humble dish, but behind it lies the livelihood of countless business owners and daily consumers. What we serve is not just a meal — it is job creation, community economic stimulation, Halal food culture promotion, and a reflection of Sabah's warm and hospitable spirit.'
Hon further explained that if Sabah's poultry industry could develop in a large-scale, standardized, and Halal-compliant manner, it would not only meet the growing demands of local Muslim consumers but also position Sabah to export Halal poultry products to ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets.
He emphasized, 'I believe that if this agricultural revolution is strategically implemented and systematically advanced, it will not only strengthen Sabah's food security, but also create a new economic ecosystem around poultry farming — including processing, cold-chain logistics, feed production, packaging, veterinary services, and more — offering diversified employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Sabah's youth.'
As a committee member of MCCC Sabah, he also urged the government to maintain close dialogue with industry players and business chambers when rolling out policies.
'For policies to take root, they must be grounded in reality. We hope the government will address the operational challenges faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and introduce support such as financing assistance, smallholder training, Halal certification guidance, market linkage platforms, and logistics subsidies — ensuring benefits at all levels.'
He added that MCCC Sabah will continue to play its role as a bridge, helping member companies connect with government resources, training opportunities, and Halal compliance standards — working together to build a vibrant future for Sabah's food and agriculture sector.
Hon concluded, 'This is a highly promising beginning. With clear direction, steady progress, and collaborative efforts, Sabah has the potential to become a key player in Malaysia's national food security strategy — and even a global Halal food exporter.'
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