By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Dec 2: Sarawak’s swine industry has recorded a total value of approximately RM151.5 million in live pig exports to both international and domestic markets.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom shared that, to date, 82,400 live pigs valued at RM129.8 million have been exported to Singapore, while 12,600 live pigs valued at RM21.7 million have been exported to Selangor.
“Despite the intrusion of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Sarawak, Pig Farming Area (PFA) Pasir Puteh is still able to export,” said Dr Rundi, explaining that the PFA Pasir Puteh is certified with ASF free compartment by the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia.
Dr Rundi also addressed safety concerns raised by Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada regarding Japanese Encephalitis (JE).
“M-FICORD through the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) has collected sample from pigs in the affected villages and all samples tested negative for JE RNA (ribonucleic acid),” he said during his ministerial winding up speech at Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
He said his Ministry will continue rigorous disease surveillance initiatives to prevent the spread of the disease.
He reiterated Sarawak’s plan to have three modern pig farms (MPFs) fully operational by 2030, which are targeted to produce 860,000 porkers annually and contribute an estimated RM1.5 billion. — DayakDaily
