KOTA KINABALU, Oct 11, 2026 — Sabah received 780 head of beef cattle from Darwin, Australia, in an effort to increase livestock productivity and farmers’ income through a livestock integration programme with oil palm plantations.
Jamawi (centre) with Sabah Department of Veterinary Services director Dr Zul Bahar Abdul Rashid (third from left) and deputy director Dr Kennedy Juani (right), and others at Kota Kinabalu Port (Jesselton) today.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said 750 head were female cattle, while the remaining 30 were Brahman Cross bulls. The breed is suitable for Sabah’s hot and humid climate.
He said the shipment was part of the State Government’s efforts to improve local livestock genetics and strengthen the livestock industry.
“Besides the 780 head of beef cattle from Darwin, we also bought 395 head of dairy cattle and 800 Boer goats from Melbourne and New Spain,” he said.
He said total expenditure on the livestock purchase amounted to RM10 million a year. The programme aims to help farmers who own oil palm plantations supplement their income through cattle integration within plantation areas.
He said selected farmers had attended courses conducted by the Department of Veterinary Services and were ready to rear livestock using high-quality breeds. Brahman Cross was chosen because it is more suitable for Sabah’s weather than purebred Brahman.
Some farmers still use local breeds inherited from five to 10 years ago. Sometimes they have to wait years to obtain calves.
“With the use of breeds that have better productivity, we hope farmers’ income can be increased,” he said.
Jamawi said the female cattle were already six to seven months pregnant. This gives recipients an advantage as they will obtain calves in the near future.
This year, the State Government made it mandatory for recipients to pay a deposit. The measure ensures the livestock is well cared for and not sold within three years.
“If the cattle die due to the farmer’s negligence, the deposit will be forfeited. If they sell the cattle, the deposit will not be refunded. They will also not be considered for future assistance,” he said.
He said the measure ensures quality breeds are well cared for so that the livestock genetic improvement programme can yield results for at least seven generations before farmers can sell them. The approach encourages farmers to increase their numbers starting with one breeding female through the birth of calves.
“This will help increase their household income,” he said.
Jamawi said under the programme, 20 farmers would receive beef cattle. Each recipient would receive between five and 10 head.
For the pasture improvement programme, one recipient per area has been identified. Among the recipients is a pasture farmer in Pamilaan, Tenom, who has 45 cattle.
Jamawi encouraged those interested in venturing into beef cattle, dairy cattle or goat farming to contact the Department of Veterinary Services in their respective districts.
“The department will guide them. The most important thing is that they must attend the courses provided,” he said.
