By Zaki Salleh
LENGGONG: Many people are unaware that Perak is the largest deer farming hub in Malaysia.
Lenggong, a small district in Hulu Perak, is among the areas with numerous deer farms, both large and small.
One such farm is operated by Mohamad Akram Abu Bakar, 40, from Kampung Bukit Sapi, who raises the Cervus timorensis deer breed at his home here.
Starting with six deer in 2020, he now has 30 male and female deer.
The breed is supplied by the Perak State Veterinary Department.
“The Veterinary Department provides assistance, including guidance and advisory services. This includes conducting animal health checks, vaccinations, and tests.
“The breeding does not require a long period to reproduce. These deer are also easy to maintain because they only need a spacious area for free movement.
“The cost of feed is not burdensome as they eat almost anything, such as oil palm fronds and Napier grass, which we grow ourselves,” he said, who also raises goats.
What’s interesting is that visitors can visit Mohamad Akram’s farm to learn more about the unique characteristics of deer.
The deer are tame, allowing visitors to get close and even touch their antlers, a rare opportunity.
Known as Rumah Ayah An, his home’s compound resembles a mini zoo where visitors can experience feeding the tame deer.
Mohamad Akram also sells adult deer aged over a year for RM3,000 each, depending on their size.
He explained that an adult deer can weigh between 50 kg to 70 kg.
“Deer meat is delicious when made into soup or grilled. But everyone has different tastes. During festivals, I also receive orders to supply deer to those interested,” he said.
