ASM Science Journal: Modelling Malaysia’s Demand of Fresh Meat

The ASM Science Journal is a peer-reviewed platform featuring research in science, technology and innovation. The Journal bridges academic findings with real-world insights for policy, industry and the public.

This month’s featured article is titled Modelling the Demand of Fresh Meat by Households in Malaysia. The study examined changing meat consumption patterns among Malaysian households amid evolving incomes and preferences.

Using data from the Household Expenditure Survey 2014, the researchers applied the Linear Approximate Almost Ideal Demand System (LA-AIDS) to estimate price, cross price and income elasticities for poultry, fresh beef and fresh mutton.

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The findings show that poultry is a normal good (positive income elasticity), with demand increasing as household income rises, reflecting its affordability and popularity as a protein source.

In contrast, fresh beef and fresh mutton were found to be inferior goods (negative income elasticity), with demand declining as income increases. The study also highlights that sociodemographic factors such as household size, region, ethnicity and education level of the household head significantly influence meat consumption patterns.

While Malaysia is largely self-sufficient in poultry production, the study underscores continued dependence on imports for beef and mutton.

These insights provide valuable input for food security planning, livestock development strategies and policy interventions aimed at strengthening domestic meat production and aligning supply with evolving consumer demand.

Read the full article on the ASM Science Journal.