By Karen Bong
BINTULU, Aug 23: Sarawak is drafting a new law to mandate the collection of agricultural waste, including oil palm kernels, to be processed into animal feed and biogas as part of efforts to strengthen the State’s circular economy.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed that the Attorney-General’s Chambers is currently drafting the legal framework, which is expected to be ready by the end of this year, to give Sarawak authority to gather agriculture by-products at scale.
“Our aim is to ensure that oil palm kernel waste can be turned into something valuables such as nutritious animal feed when mixed with napier grass, as well as biomass that generates biogas and even Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF),” he said when officiating the Sarawak Agrofest 2025 at the Bintulu Old Airport today.
Abang Johari stressed that while Sarawak has already overtaken Sabah to become Malaysia’s largest oil palm producer, the State has yet to fully exploit the potential of its kernel industry.
With the right mechanisms and economies of scale, he said, the waste could become a new source of income while reducing the Sarawak’s reliance on imported feed.
“Cattle fed with enriched feed in feedlots grow faster and healthier compared to open grazing. At the same time, biomass from palm kernels can be processed into biogas, and biogas into biofuel, including aviation fuel. This is how we diversify income streams and add value within the circular economy,” he explained.
The Premier also noted that Sarawak has vast land resources for cattle development but faces a shortage of expertise, particularly veterinarians.
To address this, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak has established a veterinary discipline, while the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is working to boost manpower in the sector.
He pointed out that cattle farming in Sarawak must differ from the traditional Australian model of open grazing, with the State instead moving towards feedlot systems that rely on locally produced feed.
“NCR landowners who have developed oil palm plantations can also diversify into feedlot and feedstock industries. But to succeed, there must be legal backing and scale in order for us to collect waste effectively and turn it into valuable products,” he said.
Abang Johari added that Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom has visited Brazil to study the latest technologies in livestock and feed development that could be adopted in Sarawak.
Emphasising the broader vision, the Premier said the State’s strategy is not only about boosting food security but also about positioning Sarawak as a producer of next-generation fuels.
“Airlines worldwide are required to use SAF. From our oil palm industry, we can produce this fuel and earn income, making our economy more sustainable. That is the Sarawak way—creating value from resources through innovation,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Malaysia Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
