By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Sept 30: Sarawak and Borneo’s first School of Veterinary and Animal Science, set to be established in Semenggok, here, will welcome its first batch of students next year, with half of the intake reserved for Sarawakians.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this milestone reflects the State government’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and retaining the best minds in Sarawak.
The school, developed through a collaboration between the Sarawak government and Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS), will be the first of its kind in East Malaysia and across the entire Borneo region. The institution aims to elevate Sarawak’s standing in veterinary education and research.
“Our goal is ambitious yet clear: to boost animal production, strengthen public health measures, and build a new generation of professionals in veterinary and animal sciences,” he said in a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian when officiating the Rabies in Borneo (RIB) 2025 conference at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
Abang Johari stressed that the school would also play a critical role in supporting national and global efforts to control zoonotic diseases and in safeguarding Sarawak’s status as free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
“With this institution, we are not only investing in education, but in the future of food security, animal welfare, and public health for Sarawak and the wider region,” he said.
He also extended his appreciation to the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) and Place Borneo Sdn Bhd for organising RIB 2025, alongside ministries, agencies, local councils, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and volunteers for their contributions.
Highlighting the conference’s theme, “Rabies-Free Borneo: Uniting People, Animals, and Communities”, Abang Johari said it is more than just a slogan, but a call to action.
“It reminds us that this fight is personal, collective, and above all, a moral imperative. Together, we will build a rabies-free Borneo and, in doing so, set an enduring example of resilience and unity for the entire region,” he concluded. — DayakDaily
