By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 22: The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak won the Malaysia Sustainability Initiative of the Year’s Agriculture category at the GovMedia Awards 2025—a testament to its exemplary initiatives in transforming its agricultural landscape with its Pasir Puteh Pig Farming Area (PFA).
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), PFA, located in Simunjan, spans 804 hectares and is situated 104km from Kuching, just 4km off the main Serian-Sri Aman Road.
The development of this facility aligns with the National Agriculture Policy’s vision to modernise the livestock industry. Since its establishment, it has implemented centralised systems for waste treatment and disease control, an effort to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
It also prevents outbreaks and ensures animal health with its biosecurity measures, adopting practices that safeguard both consumer health and environmental quality.
“Since 2017, PFA Simunjan has exported over 675,000 porkers worth RM742.5 million to Singapore. Export of porkers to Singapore is still ongoing and the balance is for sale at their 47 Borneo Pork Outlets throughout Sarawak,” reported UKAS.
The Standing Pig Population (SPP) in the PFA is currently estimated at 135,000 heads. It is African Swine Fever Disease-free, as endorsed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), exporting, on average, 2,500 live pigs weekly to Singapore.
In 2024, approximately 120,000 live pigs were exported from the Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Simunjan, generating RM197.6 million in revenue.
The PFA uses a closed-house system with controlled ventilation, temperature, brightness, and humidity, with its effluent being treated and recycled within the farm. It has a buffer zone that is maintained to separate the farm from residential areas.
Furthermore, the facility complies with Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), which ensure food safety, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability.
“As it strives for more into the future, the Pasir Puteh PFA is eyeing to reach a full capacity of 250,000 SPP by 2030. This expansion would include the development of additional modern pig farms in Ensengei, Serian, and Selangau, Sibu, with a combined capacity projected to total 500,000 SPP.
“These are expected to contribute RM1.5 billion in annual revenue, making Sarawak a significant regional exporter of pork products.”
The GovMedia Awards recognise the trends and best practices that transform the public sector in the Asia Pacific.
The awards programme promotes excellence and provides a platform for exemplary government initiatives. — DayakDaily
