KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) and Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives convened their first bilateral meeting in Bangkok, establishing a powerful foundation for enhanced collaboration across livestock, veterinary, and poultry sectors.
Sabah’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, underscored the meeting’s critical focus on importing chicken cuts from Thailand—a lucrative trade opportunity exceeding RM500 million annually that promises substantial economic benefits.
He highlighted that strategic discussions also encompassed halal certification requirements for poultry products, stringent standards for regulated slaughtering facilities, and comprehensive disease control protocols for poultry-related illnesses including avian flu, all designed to elevate food safety standards and protect Sabah’s consumers.
Thailand’s delegation was spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives’ Permanent Secretary, Sorawut Nueangjamnong, alongside the Livestock Development Department Director, Somchuan Ratanamangkhalanon; Livestock Product Standards and Certification Bureau Director, Yutthana Sophi; International Livestock Cooperation Division Director, Wanida Chaengprachak; and Senior Professional Veterinary Officer from the International Livestock Cooperation Division, Photchana Sakrasae.
MAFFI’s delegation included Deputy Permanent Secretary III, Shariffah Aznoor Jap; DVS Director, Dr. Zul Bahar Hj Abdul Rashid with staff members; and Deputy Chief Executive of the Sabah Agricultural Marketing Board (SAMA), Dato Shawn Davey.
Looking ahead, Sabah strategically invites Thailand to broaden cooperation into complementary agricultural sectors, including rice cultivation, fruit production, and vegetable farming—positioning both nations for sustained growth.
This transformative partnership specifically facilitates technology transfer between Thai agricultural entrepreneurs and Sabah’s agricultural business operators, creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation and prosperity in the coming years
