MELAKA: The supply of protein derived from chicken, eggs, goats and cattle in Melaka is more than enough to meet the population’s needs, said Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh.

Dr Muhamad Akmal (BN-Merlimau) said that egg production in the state reached 3.3 billion annually, with a value of RM1.1 billion, exceeding the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) at 853.92 per cent.

“Chicken meat production stands at 96,000 metric tonnes with a value of RM768 million annually, with an SSR of 282.17 per cent.

“This indicates that the supply of chicken and eggs in Melaka is sufficient and we are also capable of exporting, especially to assist production in east coast states,” he said at the State Legislative Assembly sitting at Seri Negeri here today.

He was responding to a question from Datuk Khaidhirah Abu Zahar (BN-Rim) regarding the output generated by farmers, breeders and fishermen in Melaka and whether it is sufficient to meet people’s needs.

Dr Muhamad Akmal said Melaka also produces 1,865.5 metric tonnes of beef and buffalo meat worth RM55.98 million annually (SSR 33.04 per cent) as well as 138 metric tonnes of goats and sheep, valued at RM4.38 million (SSR 13.41 per cent).

As for the fisheries sector, he said the SSR stood at 92 per cent, involving 3,100 metric tonnes of aquaculture production worth RM26.7 million annually, while sea catch amounted to 1,480 metric tonnes, valued at RM37.1 million.

“I believe the state government will continue efforts to ensure fundamental food security and prevent any depletion,” he said.–Bernama