DVSS needs 110 more staff to comply with World Organisation for Animal Health’s manpower requirement

Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom

By Ling Hui

KUCHING, Nov 30: The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) requires 110 more staff members in the Livestock Industry and Veterinary Public Health section across the State.

This was brought up by Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom in his ministerial winding-up speech in the State Legislative Assembly Building (DUN) today.

He said the veterinary services of Malaysia including Sarawak are being evaluated by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) on international standards, the quality of Veterinary Services, organisational structure and manpower requirement.

“The assessment on the levels of advancement and technical priorities required for animal health, veterinary public health, and veterinary laboratories has indicated the need for a manpower strength of at least 1,000 staff for a competent veterinary authority,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Dr Rundi said the Department of Agriculture Sarawak is also planning to strengthen its manpower capacity by recruiting another 112 posts comprising 38 management and professional posts and 74 support services posts.

The new recruits are expected to report for duty within the first quarter of 2023, and will be stationed throughout Sarawak, mainly to expedite the implementation of various agriculture development programs.

In addition, the department is recruiting at least 65 more posts to perform regulatory and development functions for programs under various regional agencies. — DayakDaily