The facilities earmarked for Gambang (Pahang) and Gua Musang (Kelantan) will complement an existing one in Chendering, Terengganu. This is expected to result in an increase in production of 35% to 175.37 mt in 2010 from 129.74 mt in 2005.

Under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, Gambang has been identified as the location for a large-scale poultry processing plant, which could process 1 mln birds annually.

"The additional processing plants will help to better streamline supply of processed chicken and reduce wastage of chicken by-products that are traditionally thrown away such as chicken feathers, legs and stomach lining that can be processed into fertiliser," said Executive consultant for Federation of Livestock Association of Malaysia, Abdul Rahman Md Saleh, adding that these plants could help improve productivity and provide additional income to the industry.