13MP: Sarawak Needs Large Allocation To Boost Ruminant Industry

KUCHING, May 23 (Bernama) -- Sarawak needs a bigger allocation under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to strengthen the ruminant industry in the state, thereby achieving at least 50 per cent self-sufficiency for the local market.

Serembu assemblyman, Miro Simuh said the ruminant industry needs to be given serious and comprehensive attention in the state's development planning so that Sarawak can be self-sufficient in meat supply, especially during festive seasons such as Hari Raya Aidiladha.

“I also propose that special attention be given to the Sarawak Ruminant Policy led by the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS).

“There should be higher emphasis on matters such as improving genetic quality and focus on domestic breeding to attract small breeders or investments from larger and more modern private companies,” he said.

He said this when debating the motion of thanks for the address of the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.

Miro said output from the ruminant industry in Sarawak is extremely low, with the state’s ruminant industry self-sufficiency rate still below 20 per cent.

According to him, the development of the local livestock feed industry also deserves attention as an important supporting component in the livestock industry chain.

He proposed that the state government introduce certain incentives to attract local investors to set up livestock feed factories, thus boosting the ruminant industry ecosystem sustainably and comprehensively.

He also proposed that DVSS conduct more training and technical courses, technology transfer and farm management for those interested in venturing into the livestock industry.

-- BERNAMA