BETONG, Feb 26: Longhouse folk are advised to refrain from rearing pigs for now in view that many areas in Sarawak have been declared as African Swine Fever (ASF) affected areas.
In highlighting this, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said people could start rearing when the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak gives the green light that it is safe to do so.
“Do not rear pigs for now until the disease has died down.
“Those keeping the animals which are still healthy must take extra precautions to protect them,” he said when officiating at the triennial delegate conference (TDC) of the Kubal Tengah Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) sub-branch at Rh Mendit Unsu in Penom, Spaoh near here today.
Uggah, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, was responding to many reports from party members that most of their pigs had died due to ASF.
He also reminded longhouse folk or breeders not to allow outsiders to visit their pig pens or facilities belonging to others.
“Report to your nearest veterinary office if your livestock show signs of being infected,” he urged.
Meanwhile, at the sub-branch conference and election, Uggah said members could either retain or elect a new committee.
“We must continue to strengthen our party at the grassroots level. We can then serve the people well and remain relevant,” he emphasised.
On the increase of over 3,000 new voters in the Bukit Saban constituency, Uggah wanted all PBB members here to try to engage with them.
“Find out where they reside or work. Then, invite them to become PBB members,” he said.
Political secretary to the Chief Minister Dr Richard Rapu, also Bukit Saban PBB branch secretary, conducted the meeting and election. — DayakDaily
