Tariff cuts on Kenyan beef won’t hurt Malaysian farmers, says PM

 

Anwar Ibrahim says a key priority is to broaden sources of imports and simplify the process to bring down the price of beef for consumers.

Malaysia imports a significant quantity of beef, around 150,000 metric tonnes annually as of recent years, with imports largely supplied by, among others, India, Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand. (Freepik pic)

NAIROBI:

 The move to eliminate tariffs on agricultural produce and beef from Kenya will have little impact on local farmers and producers, says Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also finance minister, pointed out that beef is an “unreasonably” expensive raw ingredient in the market.

“Therefore, our focus is to broaden sources of imports and simplify the process so that the cost to consumers and the public becomes lower,” he told reporters here.

He was asked whether the removal of tariffs on agricultural produce and beef from Kenya would affect local farmers and how it would influence the country’s food security situation.

“We’ve been very selective, but while protecting local farmers, we must also protect consumers.

“When the price is reasonable, we can defend it, but we are already importing beef. Why do we only import from select countries? Why make it so difficult when it comes to the less economically successful countries?” he said.

Anwar said that as long as agencies such as the Islamic development department (Jakim) are satisfied with the beef imports and all procedures and parameters are met, there is no reason to discriminate against poorer countries.

As for the financial impact of removing the tariffs, Anwar said Malaysia would only be looking at something “very small, very insignificant”.

“But more importantly, the issue is not about removing or keeping the tariff policy. The key question is: how do we bring prices down? This process has been slow, and as you know, beef prices are unreasonably high.”

Malaysia imports a significant quantity of beef, around 150,000 metric tonnes annually as of recent years, with imports largely supplied by, among others, India, Australia, Brazil, and New Zealand.

The majority of imported beef in 2023 came from India, accounting for about 75% of the import market share, followed by Australia with around 11%. - FMT