KUCHING, Nov 4: Sarawak’s beef industry needs to be strengthened to boost its self-sufficiency ratio (SSR), said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Currently, Sarawak’s SSR stands at only 12 per cent, which necessitates the import of beef from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)-free countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, representing Abang Johari, emphasised that Sarawak is self-sufficient in poultry, eggs, and pork.
However, the need to import beef not only affects SSR but also has repercussions on the cost of meat and egg production, as imported animal feed becomes more expensive.
Uggah noted the importance of researching smart farming practices and utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) in livestock management to reduce costs and improve efficiency in the industry.
Furthermore, Abang Johari shared Sarawak’s goal of becoming a net exporter of food by 2030, with a projected production value of RM4 billion.
Sarawak’s FMD-free status, recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), opens up opportunities for livestock and livestock product exports.
Additionally, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) recognizes Sarawak’s State Pig Farming Area (PFA) Simunjan as African Swine Fever (ASF) compartmentalization disease-free.
The development and strengthening of Sarawak’s beef industry are vital for the state’s self-sufficiency and the competitiveness of its livestock sector in the international market.
“Self-sufficiency ratio (SSR)” measures a region or country’s ability to produce its own food compared to its food consumption, indicating the level of dependence on food imports. — DayakDaily
