By DayakDaily
KUCHING, Nov 12: Sarawak plans to send its veterinary officers for professional training and technical attachments in New Zealand as part of a structured knowledge-transfer initiative to enhance technical expertise and field experience.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD), Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the initiative is part of Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with New Zealand in developing the State’s livestock and dairy sectors through modern practices and technology sharing.
According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), he said the State is keen to learn from New Zealand’s advanced systems in livestock management, veterinary training, and biosecurity, which are internationally recognised for their science-based and integrated approach.
“New Zealand’s success lies in its comprehensive, science-based model that unites policy, research and on-ground implementation. Sarawak aims to adapt these best practices to build a resilient and globally competitive livestock sector,” said Dr Rundi during his visit to Wellington.
During the visit, he paid a courtesy call on New Zealand’s Minister for Biosecurity and Food Safety, who is also Associate Minister of Agriculture (Animal Welfare and Skills) and Associate Minister for the Environment, Andrew Hoggard.
The meeting highlighted the growing partnership between Sarawak and New Zealand in promoting agricultural innovation, veterinary capacity-building, dairy development, and biosecurity enhancement.
Dr Rundi said Sarawak also intends to explore potential joint ventures in the dairy sector through technology sharing with New Zealand producers.
With live-cattle exports currently restricted in New Zealand, Sarawak is considering the importation of bovine semen to improve breeding quality and accelerate herd expansion.
Following the courtesy call, the Sarawak delegation attended several technical briefings at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Senior officials, including Jim Sim, Dr Jed Johnson, Dr Lia Missena, and Glen Webber, presented on Verification Services, the Halal Assurance System, and the Animal Health Surveillance Programme.
He added that the visit marks a significant step towards long-term cooperation in livestock research, veterinary training, dairy investment, and biosecurity management.
“We are committed to aligning Sarawak’s food and commodity sectors with international best practices. This partnership will accelerate our journey towards becoming a clean, competitive food-producing state by 2030,” said Dr Rundi.
Also present were M-FICORD Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben, Director of the Department of Veterinary Services, Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, Senior Principal Assistant Secretary, Liew Ju Jeng, Senior Veterinary Officer, Dr Sylie Al-Harir, Media Officer, Marvin Masan, and Malaysia’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, Mazita Marzuki, accompanied by Second Secretary, Adrina Zulkarnain. — DayakDaily
