By DayakDaily Team
BINTULU, Aug 23: Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus is set to establish a specialised veterinary faculty, which will be the largest of its kind in Malaysia, following the royal consent of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj.
In a TVS news report, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative is timely and crucial to address the shortage of veterinarians and animal health experts in the State while supporting Sarawak’s fast-growing agriculture and livestock industries.
“His Majesty granted his consent after recognising Sarawak’s vast potential in this field. The specialised veterinary school in Bintulu will be the largest in Malaysia,” he said when officiating Sarawak Agrofest 2025 at the Old Bintulu Airport today, which was broadcasted live via Ukas Channel.
Later at a press conference, Abang Johari noted that Sarawak’s livestock industry is expanding rapidly, but the State continues to face a shortage of veterinary professionals.
“Even the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak itself is short of doctors. By setting up a dedicated veterinary faculty in Bintulu, we are creating the pathway to nurture specialists and strengthen the livestock sector,” he stressed.
After the event, the Premier unveiled the “Sarawak Veterinary Registered” logo and presented a series of awards, including the Successful Food Crop Entrepreneur Award, Successful Agro-based Industry Entrepreneur Award, Successful Inland Fisheries Entrepreneur Award, Successful Area Farmers’ Organisation Award, Successful Livestock Breeder Award, and the Sarawak Agropreneur Icon Award.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Malaysia Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
