By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 19: Sarawak is expected to achieve an annual production of 860,000 porkers worth RM1.5 billion, with an export value of RM723 million, by 2030.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, stated that the state is actively promoting the development of Modern Pig Farms (MPFs) with stringent biosecurity measures.
“A private company is currently developing an MPF in Ensengei, Serian, spanning 500 acres (202 hectares). The facility, with a total capacity of 80,000 standing pig population (SPP), began operations with 750 breeding pigs imported from the United States in January this year.
“Construction for the first phase of the Ensengei MPF is underway, with production expected to commence in April 2025,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech in the august House here today.
Dr Rundi revealed that since 2017, Sarawak has exported over 380,000 porkers worth RM400 million to Singapore.
Currently, the Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Pasir Puteh, Simunjan, is accredited by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as an African Swine Fever Disease-Free Compartment. It exports approximately 2,500 porkers weekly to Singapore.
Dr Rundi also highlighted the ministry’s efforts to further boost production, including appointing a local anchor company to establish a modern pig farm in Selangau, Sibu.
“The groundbreaking ceremony for the Selangau MPF was held on Nov 6, 2024, with development work slated to begin in December 2024,” he said.
In addition, the PFA in Pasir Puteh, Simunjan, is projected to reach its full capacity of 250,000 SPP, while the MPF in Ensengei is set to accommodate 80,000 SPP and the PFA in Selangau is expected to rear 125,000 SPP.
“With a combined total of 500,000 SPP by 2030, Sarawak will not only achieve self-sufficiency but also establish itself as a significant regional exporter of pork products,” Dr Rundi emphasised.
He gave assurance that Sarawak’s status as Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)-free without vaccination would continue to be a key advantage.
“My ministry will sustain efforts to support and facilitate private sector investments in the swine industry,” he added.
Given the growing interest from major industry players, Dr Rundi also revealed that the ministry is exploring new potential areas, including Tatau District in Bintulu, for the establishment of additional PFAs. — DayakDaily
