Removing Tariff on Kenyan Beef Aimed at Lowering Cost for Consumers - Malaysian PM
By M. Saraswathi
NAIROBI, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- The announcement to remove tariff on beef imports from Kenya is aimed at reducing the cost for Malaysian consumers, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.
“The more important issues is not about removing or keeping (the tariff) but how do you get the prices low? And as you know, the price of beef is unreasonably high (in Malaysia),” he said.
Anwar said Malaysia must balance the protection of local farmers with the need to ensure affordable food prices, noting that the country already imports beef from several nations.
“As the cost of meat in Malaysia is high, our tendency is to expand and facilitate imports so that the cost to the people is lower,” he said at the exit press conference at the end of his three-country tour in Africa.
On the cost of removing the tariff for the government, Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said: “It is very minor, very small, very insignificant.”
During a joint press conference with Kenya President William Samoei Ruto on Monday, the leaders announced that besides upgrading bilateral ties to strategic partnership, Malaysia also has agreed to eliminate tariffs on Kenya’s agricultural produce and beef.
Explaining further during the press conference, the Prime Minister said there is no need to restrict imports to only a few countries while making it difficult for economically less-advantaged nations to export to Malaysia.
“As long as procedures and parameters are met, there is absolutely no reason to discriminate against poorer countries,” he said, adding that agencies including the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and the Agriculture Ministry must ensure fair access to all.
Anwar said while Kenya is keen to increase its export produce, the country also plans to increase imports from Malaysia.
“For example, it imported a large quantity of palm oil from Malaysia, amounting to RM1 billion, which it also distributed to other countries on other continents. Similar arrangements can be looked at for our Proton cars,” he said.
Ruto is also interested in the development of semiconductor, energy transition and the digital industry.
Anwar said relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and relevant agencies should follow through and utilise the opportunities for the benefit of Malaysians in all sectors.
“The Foreign Ministry and also MITI have to take it up aggressively, our challenge has always been to execute this decision. It would be a major loss if we don't fully take advantage of this very friendly supportive spirit from our friends in Africa.”
On several memoranda of understanding and exchange of documents between Malaysia and Ethiopia, and also Kenya, Anwar said they will be presented at the Cabinet meeting on Friday so that follow-up actions can be taken because of the huge potential.
-- BERNAMA
