By Shikin Louis
BAU, Sept 27: Siniawan is set to emerge as Sarawak’s new centre for cattle breeding with the establishment of a 250-acre Integrated Cattle Farm Project at Kampung Seromah.
Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh revealed that the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) has allocated RM15 million for the project, which will be developed in collaboration with the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) and Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD).
“The farm will have the capacity to rear up to 3,000 cows at a time, and the consultant is currently preparing the project paper.
“I hope we can commence the project next year, and it will be one of the biggest cattle farming projects in Sarawak,” he said at the launch of the Siniawan Waterfront today.
Miro explained that modern cattle breeding methods such as artificial insemination and embryo implantation will be used, with a Japanese company also interested to partner in the project.
“This project is crucial as Sarawak still imports 85 to 90 per cent of its beef. With our free-FMD (foot-and-mouth disease) status, we have the advantage to expand cattle farming and even position ourselves as an exporter in the future,” he added.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who officiated at the ceremony, welcomed the initiative, stressing that circular economy practices can support livestock farming by turning oil palm kernel waste and napier grass into protein-rich feed.
“As Miro mentioned, there are oil palm estates here, and the kernel can be crushed into biomass and mixed with napier grass to create nutritious feed. This provides protein for our animals.
“If we can collect and transform these materials into feed for cattle, goats and others, it will ensure healthy livestock and well-fed, robust cattle instead of thin ones,” he said.
He noted that this approach could help address supply issues during Hari Raya Korban, when finding healthy cattle is often difficult and some are sold thin at RM12,000 each.
Abang Johari also disclosed that the Sarawak government will table a new law in the next State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting to regulate and monetise waste as part of a push towards a sustainable circular economy.
The event was held in conjunction with the 8th Siniawan Country Music Festival, the 185th anniversary of Siniawan Historical Town and the 15th anniversary of the Siniawan Weekend Night Market.
Also present were Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep; Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus; Kuching Resident Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi; and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik. – DayakDaily
