According to The Star Online, its chairman Tan Sri Arshad Ayub said the construction of the RM600mil facility would increase production capacity up to 240,000 birds per day compared with 80,000 from existing plants.

“Using the latest technology, the new facility will be able to process three times more than the present capacity of our plants.

“We can also increase the quality level and encourage the production of new products such as ready-to-cook meals at our new facility,” he said at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Dindings Poultry Processing Sdn Bhd’s new plant in Lumut on Friday.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who officiated the event, said the new plant would be able to provide sufficient live chicken supply for the state and even the country.

“MFM’s efforts to increase poultry production can help reduce dependence on meat imports and accommodate the local demand.

“We import billions of ringgit of food even though we can produce them ourselves. We only need to know which is the best method of production, including how to handle the problem of flies,” he said.

Zambry said the state government would not compromise with any poultry operators who failed to practise standard hygiene regulations.

“The state government has established a special committee to tackle the fly problem which has affected the public due to contamination in the poultry industry.

“We are serious in this matter and if any company fails to comply, they will be dealt with, and this includes closing down their premises. This has to be done in the interest of the public,” he said.