THE Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development aims to achieve a 25 per cent self-sufficiency level (SSL) in beef by 2030.
Currently, the SSL for Sarawak stands at 13 per cent.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom highlighted Sarawak’s heavy dependence on imported livestock breeders.
“Sarawak has been recognised and given Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Free Status Without Vaccination by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
“We can only import from countries like Australia and New Zealand, which also have the same status,” he said during his Ministerial winding-up speech at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today (May 14).
Dr. Rundi noted the establishment of the Ruminant Biotechnology Centre in Sungai Pinang, Simunjan, approved under the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP).
“This centre serves to produce ruminant semen to boost the breeding programme and also acts as a modern training and extension centre for farmers and industry players once it starts operations by 2026.
“The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak has explored strategic collaboration with an established company from Denmark in the field of local breeder stock development, such as the latest technology of animal husbandry, best practices for biosecurity, and artificial insemination (AI),” he said.
He also said that his ministry, in collaboration with the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA), is increasing the capacity of the Mayang Cattle Breeding and Fattening Centre. This centre will implement AI technology starting this month.
Dr. Rundi added that his ministry is encouraging the private sector to participate in the breeding programme. Two private companies have already been appointed to use the ministry’s existing livestock stations in Karabungan, Miri, and Maragang, Lawas.
“The Karabungan Livestock Station has shown strong progress, increasing the initial cattle population from 200 to 244 heads in 2023. The company has also conducted multiple training programmes for smallholder cattle farmers in the Miri Division.
“At the Maragang Livestock Station, the company collaborating with DVS Sarawak for Buffalo Management Training has covered theoretical and practical aspects, with 50 buffalo farmers undergoing training,” he said.
Additionally, Dr. Rundi said that the state government would continue implementing the Cattle Pawah Scheme.
“Since 2016, a total of 13,500 heads of cattle and 1,619 heads of buffaloes were loaned to nine oil palm plantation companies and agencies as well as 113 smallholders. The current cattle population is 14,000, mostly contributed by this programme, with 75 per cent
