KOTA KINABALU: Jjuly 13, 2026 – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry has proposed the creation of 150 new posts to strengthen veterinary enforcement in Sabah, including increasing the number of enforcement officers and meat inspectors at slaughterhouses.
Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the proposal had been submitted to the government as part of preparations to enhance the Sabah Veterinary Services Department’s capacity to carry out enforcement across the state.
Winding up the debate on the Animals Enactment (Amendment) Bill 2026 at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting today, he said the ministry had also set aside an allocation of RM500,000 under the 13th Malaysia Plan for a rabies vaccination programme.
He said the proposal to establish a One Stop Centre, raised by an appointed assemblyman, had also been well received, but its implementation would require cooperation from local authorities, the Department of Environment and other relevant agencies.
In addition, he said, the processing period for new licences is proposed at 90 days, while licence renewals are targeted to be completed within 30 days.
“Our ministry has already submitted to the government a proposal for 150 new posts, which includes additional enforcement officers as well as meat inspectors stationed at slaughterhouses,” he said.
Jamawi said all proposals put forward by assembly members during the debate would be reviewed to ensure the implementation of the Animals Enactment (Amendment) 2026 could be carried out more effectively.
