The Selangor Ruminant Livestock Breeders Association has thrown a challenge to the government - give our members RM250 million and see the money put to better use than that given to the National Feedlot Corporation (NFC).
It has demanded the amount for its 500 members, saying they would increase productivity increase by 30 percent in three years.
According to a report in Malay daily Sinar Harian today, association head Samad Kassim complained that association members, most of them cattle breeders, faced difficulties in obtaining loans from the government and banks to upgrade their business.
This was unlike the preferential treatment that the NFC has received, Samad said.
"The members need funds to advance the industry. We can guarantee a 30 percent increase in productivity - including fresh milk, beef, ghee, mutton and organic fertiliser - after three years," he was quoted as saying.
It could also be made possible for Malaysia to become an exporter of cattle products if breeders were given such funds, Samad said.
"We question why the government has given money to a new company like NFC when it should be given to breeders who have long experience in this industry.
"The association appeals to the government to give serious attention to the members' demand to ensure the development of the industry.”
The NFC has been embroiled in controversy following a slew of allegations against its use of a government soft loan.
The NFC's operations have attracted negative comments in the 2010 Audititor-General's Report.
Among the accusations made by PKR were that part of the loan had been abused to benefit Umno leaders and a minister.
However, both the government and NFC have denied all the claims.
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