KUCHING: Sarawak’s swine industry has significant potential to position the state as a net food exporter by 2030.
According to the first Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 annual report, launched on November 22 by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak exported 112,700 live pigs worth RM169.77 million in 2023 alone.
This achievement stems from several Pig Farming Areas (PFAs) in the state, including those at Pair Puteh (Samarahan), Selangau (Sibu), and Samarakan (Bintulu). Collectively, these Permanent Forest Allotments cover an area of 1,267 hectares and accommodate a total pig population of 550,000.
The PFAs aim to transform, modernize, and centralize the pig industry by implementing modern centralized waste treatment systems, relocating existing pig farms to reduce pollution, and enforcing proper animal health and disease control measures to protect public health.
“The Sarawak government is actively fostering private sector investment in ruminant farming, with the strategic objective of elevating meat self-sufficiency from 12 to 25 per cent by 2030.”
“To realise this vision, the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) is tasked with establishing a structured cattle breeding program alongside a cattle-oil palm integration initiative,” the report stated.
The swine industry is a key initiative under PCDS 2030, aiming to boost the production of high-value commodities and livestock to position Sarawak as a net food exporter by 2030.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the Selangau PFA on November 6, Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom said Sarawak expects to earn at least RM1.5 billion in additional annual revenue from the swine industry by 2030.
He highlighted that the PFA’s capacity to produce 150,000 standing pig population (SPP) annually will enable rural households to achieve RM15,000 in monthly income, aligning with the state’s plans for full commercialization of agribusiness and agriculture activities by 2030.
While the swine industry is pivotal, other livestock and aquaculture initiatives also play significant roles. In 2023, Sarawak produced 10,885 cattle, 9,482 goats, 8,660 buffaloes, and 2,499 sheep.
The Aquaculture Industrial Zone (AIZ) initiative has also progressed in commercial-scale aquaculture development.
With three approved zones—Batang Ai (Sri Aman), Rambungan (Lundu), and Sundar/Awat-Awat (Lawas)—the program produced 7,773 tonnes of aquaculture products in 2023, valued at RM94.74 million.
Looking ahead, the sector is committed to leveraging digital technology to optimize food production. Plans are underway to implement IoT solutions within Agroparks and digitally revolutionise agricultural practices.
The sector’s key recommendations include:
Actively committing to modernize agriculture,
Attracting and supporting young farmers,
Driving the sector’s industrialisation to address the food trade deficit.
“Additionally, there are proposals to establish a dedicated fund to support smart agriculture projects, further aligning with the sector’s objectives for innovation and sustainability,” it said.
