National Feedlot Centre should explain operations, says Muhyiddin

(The Star) – The National Feedlot Centre (NFC) should give an explanation on the criticism it has faced following the Auditor-General’s Report over its operations, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

He said a detailed explanation was needed since questions had been raised on its cattle-farming project.

He added that the issue had been explained in detail by Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar in Parliament.

Muhyiddin was asked to comment on Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin’s call on Monday for those involved in the NFC issue to resign from their posts.

The A-G’s Report, which was released last month, pointed out that production in 2010 was only 3,289 head of cattle or 41.1% of the target set. The NFC was set up three years ago to transform the cattle and beef industry, aided by satellite farms, to meet 40% of local beef demand by the end of last year.

Muhyiddin said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil was not involved in the project as the business operations were handled by her family members.

“Whether it is right for Bung Mokhtar to call for her resignation, I think he can think for himself.

“But I think the call was unnecessary, especially among our own people, as it did not say directly that Shahrizat was involved,” he added.