By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 24: A 233-hectare area around Sungai Selabi, Selangau, in Sibu Division, has been approved for pig farming development with the potential to produce 250,000 live pigs annually when fully operational.
Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Martin Ben disclosed that the Ministry is currently identifying the operator to develop the pig farming area (PFA).
“Other than that, the government has identified a site in Samarakan, Bintulu, to be developed as a new PFA,” he said in responding to a question from Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada during the Question and Answer Session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting today.
Martin also informed that ten commercial pig farms are currently operating in Sarawak, with an estimated total production of 250,000 pigs per year.
“This amount is sufficient to cover local needs and the export market, which is Singapore,” he pointed out.
Additionally, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak has also received an application from the private sector to use its own site to develop commercial-scale pig breeding areas.
“The application will be processed and evaluated based on the guidelines for establishing Modern Pig Farm (MPF),” he explained.
The Ministry, Martin added, allows the opening of new farms to operate if they meet the conditions, especially good farm biosecurity practices, and new applicants must also make a written application to DVS Sarawak for inspection and advice. — DayakDaily
