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KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has assured that the supply of chicken, beef and buffalo meat is sufficient to meet the high demand ahead of this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

Its Director, Dr Zul Bahar Abdul Rashid, said that based on the department’s projections for the first five months of the year, local chicken production is estimated to reach 29,916.65 metric tons, while ruminant meat (beef and buffalo) is expected to hit 3,185 metric tons.

“As a proactive measure to accommodate any increase in demand for whole chickens during the festive period, the department has allowed for the import of whole chickens since December last year to ensure that supplies remain sufficient and stable,” he said.

Commenting on reports about the seizure of 542,519.16 kg of frozen ruminant and poultry products at a warehouse in Penampang on March 3, Dr. Zul Bahar clarified that no such confiscation was made. 

He explained that upon review under the Animals Enactment 2015, all the products were found to have valid import licenses.

He added that the department will continue to closely monitor supply and demand trends to safeguard the stability of food supply and long-term sustainability of Sabah’s livestock industry.