Uggah (centre) presents a memento comprising local products to Dr Abd Latiff (second right) as (from left) Dr Abdul Rahman, Sagah and Henry look on.
KUCHING: Sarawak is interested in premium buffalo cheese production proposed by the federal Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said Sarawak already has a head start with its existing buffalo rearing programme centred In Limbang.
He pointed out that while the state currently breeds buffaloes for the meat, it welcomes the proposal to go into cheese production in line with the massive agriculture modernisation programme embarked by the state next year.
“We already have our buffalo breeding programme centre in Limbang where we have over 5,000 head of swamp buffalo.
“We also have a cattle farm in Darwin, Australia which includes some 2,500 wild buffaloes. Early this year, we brought over 250 of them to Limbang for distribution to farmers and some government agencies,” he said.
Uggah, who is the Minister of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, said this when receiving a courtesy call from KPLB led by Rural Development Minister Datuk Dr Abd Latiff Ahmad yesterday.
On behalf of the Sarawak government, he called for further discussion in order for this proposal to materialise as it fits in very well with the state’s socio economic programme.
Earlier, Dr Abd Latiff, in making the proposal, said the country imported about RM400 million worth of cheese annually from overseas.
“The quality may not be what we expect and can be adulterated with non-halal ingredients.”
He added cheese is a primary ingredient in cake making or as a breakfast item on its own.
“We have American investors interested in this programme. If this proposal materialises, Sarawak can be a leading producer of halal cheese in the country.
“According to experts, the best cheese is from buffalo milk,” he said.
Meanwhile on development matters, Dr Abd Latiff gave assurance that the Perikatan Nasional government would engage openly with Sarawak instead of doing things in silo as had been done by the previous government.
“Whatever we do for the people, we will ensure they (projects) will be for their full benefits. It is time for us to look at things together so that many of the problems they face can be successfully resolved.”
Among those present at the meeting were Deputy Rural Development Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong, assistant ministers of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, as well as officials from both ministries.