By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 14: The swine industry is a major export earner for Sarawak, with the Pasir Puteh Pig Farming Area (PFA) exporting over 350,000 porkers worth RM312 million since 2017, averaging 2,500 live pigs weekly to Singapore.
In view of the huge demand, Minister of Food Idustry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the Sarawak government has allocated RM27 million to develop new PFAs.
“To date, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak has appointed an anchor company for the development of PFA Selangau in Sibu. The development of infrastructure is expected to commence by the third quarter of this year,” he told the august House when delivering his ministerial winding up speech today.
Additionally, Dr Rundi highlighted that the Ministry is also promoting the development of Modern Pig Farm (MPF) in other areas with a private company has started to develop a MPF in Ensengei, Serian with an area of 519 acres which could cater to a total capacity of 50,000 Standing Pig Population (SPP).
“By 2030, PFA Pasir Puteh should have 250,000 SPP; MPF Ensengei – 50,000 SPP; and PFA Selangau – 125,000 SPP.
“These MPFs should have 425,000 standing pig population (SPP) and projected to produce 850,000 porkers annually worth RM1.5 billion inclusive of RM0.75 billion export value,” he explained. — DayakDaily
