Malaysia-New giant meat plant to go ahead.

MALAYSIA-MEAT PLANT TO GO AHEAD.

The abattoir and meat processing centre, about 20km from the city, was partially burnt in September 2007, after being officially opened a year earlier.

It was among several state projects that the auditor-general, in 2007, had queries on, including the manner in which the contract was awarded and why it was under-utilised.

The early morning fire destroyed the butcher shop area, a lecture room and slaughterhouse, but a cooling room at the rear of the building was spared.

The centre, under the state Department of Veterinary Services and Livestock Industry, was intended to serve livestock breeders along Sabah’s west coast from Tuaran in the north to Sipitang in the south.

It was designed to slaughter up to 100 head of cattle or buffalo per day.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said the project was back on track and would likely be completed this year.

"We need the centre to help increase production of meat here. We are below 30 per cent self-sufficiency in beef and we are importing a lot of meat," he said.

Yahya was speaking at a press conference after opening the 15th meeting of the World Organisation for Animal Health’s Sub-Commission for Foot and Mouth Disease in Southeast Asia.

Eight countries are participating in the meeting from March 9 to 13, held to discuss latest issues in tackling foot and mouth disease.