By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 8: Sarawak is pioneering a new agriculture and livestock policy rooted in the circular economy, converting palm oil plantation waste into animal feed in a strategic bid to reduce meat prices and slash reliance on imported feed.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative transforms agricultural residues, such as palm oil waste, into biomass and eventually into high-nutrient feed for livestock like cattle and goats.
“This eliminates the need to import feed, especially from countries like Australia, and significantly lowers overall farming costs,” he told reporters after officiating the ‘Majlis Penyerahan Lembu & Daging Korban DUN N26 Gedong’ at Al-Kawthar Mosque in Gedong today.
An audio recording of the doorstop interview was made available to the media after the event.
“Currently, we import cattle in addition to those bred in Australia under SEDC (Sarawak Economic Development Corporation).
“However, Australia imposes an export tax, and because payments are made in foreign currency, it becomes costly,” the Premier explained.
Abang Johari, who is also Gedong assemblyman, added that the feedlot system under development in Sarawak supports more efficient and sustainable livestock farming using a mix of Napier grass and locally derived biofeed.
“This is the beginning of sustainable agriculture where palm oil estates not only produce oil but also feed, biogas, and other by-products that reduce waste and improve efficiency,” he said.
“Don’t waste the waste—monetise it,” he added, echoing remarks he previously made at the ASEAN Women Entrepreneur event.
With 38 palm oil mills across the State, the Premier said the initiative could significantly boost local meat production, help stabilise market prices, and create new economic opportunities for rural farmers and breeders.
According to the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), a total of 24 cows were donated to residents of Gedong, with 13 contributed by Abang Johari through the Gedong Welfare Trust Board (LAKIG), six from the Batang Sadong parliamentary constituency, and five from the Samarahan Islamic Welfare Trust Board (LAKIS).
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi, Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee, Gedong Special Representative Dato Sri Mohd Naroden Majais, Chief Political Secretary to the Premier Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris, Samarahan Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, and Gedong District Officer Tamida Da’adi. — DayakDaily
