By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Feb 24: The African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Sarawak is under control and the increase in pork prices is only temporary, says Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
Dr Rundi, who is Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, said although his ministry is still dealing with the disease, the situation is not deteriorating.
“Right now there are a lot of farmers coming back to pig farming,” he told reporters when met after officiating at the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak Integrity Day and anti-corruption pledge held at a local hotel, here today.
Dr Rundi added that his ministry is also aware that the virus is detrimental to the development of pig farming in Sarawak.
He said currently, the Sarawak government is looking into better bio-security and high tech pig farming to prevent and mitigate ASF in the future.
Meanwhile, Dr Rundi said the increase in prices of pork is only temporary and the price will be reduced when the situation in back to normal.
He pointed out that among factors that influence the increase in pork prices are due the decreased number of pigs in the region and issues involving animal feed where it has to be imported.
He explained that to address this matter, his Ministry has been tasked by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, through the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) to convert oil palm waste into animal feed, including the usage of Black Soldier Flies as protein additives in animal feed. — DayakDaily
