In early December this year there has been a been a war of words
between Singapore and Malaysia over air space and port waters.
According to the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority (AVA)
about 73 per cent of Singapore's eggs are purchased from Malaysia, with around
a quarter produced here.
On 16th December 2018, Malaysian Domestic
Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the
country may limit or stop the export of eggs to ensure sufficient supply for
its domestic market.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Salahuddin
Ayub also announced on 17th December that the Malaysian government
will prohibit the export of four species of wild-caught fish and shrimp to meet
the shortage in the market during the monsoon and festive seasons.
According to Bernama News, Minister Salahuddin Ayub. said
that "kembung" (mackerel), "selar" (trevally),
"pelaling" (Indian mackerel) and "bawal" (pomfret) fish, as
well as shrimp, will be prohibited from export from Jan 1 to Feb 28, 2019.
Many Singaporeans enjoy eating eggs and seafood – and you
will often see our citizens heading down to Johore to tuck in on their
delicious seafood dishes. With the Lunar
New Year in Mid-February 2019, people celebrating this colorful festival will
be disappointed that their favourite seafood dishes will not be made available
during the reunion dinner.
The UK produces less than 60% of the food it eats. Although agricultural activity occurs in
most rural locations, it is concentrated in East Anglia (crops) and the South
West (livestock).
In anticipation of
other food supplies that may be halted such as fresh vegetables and fruits,
Singapore has to plan well ahead to meet our local consumption.
Singapore consists of 63
islands, including the main island, Pulau Ujong. There are two man-made
connections to Johor, Malaysia: The Woodlands 1st Link in the north and the
Tuas 2nd Link in the west. Jurong Island, Pulau Tekong, Pulau Ubin and Sentosa
are the largest of Singapore's smaller islands.
With some effort, I am confident that the AVA and the National
Environment Agency (NEA) can collaborate to develop our very own farms on some
of these islands to produce pork, eggs, vegetables and seafood for local
consumption. Sheng Siong and NTUC Fairprice can be invited to tender for the
project. Students can be taught agriculture in schools and if the
collaborations are successful many Singaporeans, young and old can find jobs in
this industry.
In addition, the cost of living can be significantly reduced as
local produced goods are much cheaper than imported ones.
Another plus: Singapore can export these home-grown products to
other countries and with good marketing plans put in place by the Singapore
Tourism Board, our economy will be boosted.
Sincerely,
Raymond Anthony Fernando
See my proposal above, now, read this.
Singapore to grow high-tech farming with 18ha facility at Sg Kadut
See my proposal above, now, read this.
Singapore to grow high-tech farming with 18ha facility at Sg Kadut
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