Dr Rundi took a memorable photo with Dr Adrian (fourth left) and DVSS staff at the department's 2023 Appreciation ceremony in Kuching, Sunday night.
KUCHING: Sarawak is still facing a shortage of veterinary professionals and is estimated to need about 200 to 1,000 veterinary doctors for the livestock industry.
Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) Director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the department is undergoing organizational development and restructuring as the current workforce only consists of 270 staff in all positions.
"While it is estimated that 1,000 staff are needed by 2030 to ensure the success of the initiative in the livestock sector.
"Therefore, a proposal has been submitted to establish a Higher Education Institution specifically for Veterinary Science in Sarawak," he said.
He said this when speaking at the DVSS 2023 Appreciation ceremony which was officiated by the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom here, Sunday night.
Meanwhile, Dr Adrian said, DVSS services require greater focus and involvement than before.
"This is due to the many challenges faced by our industry, for example the global impact due to COVID-19 and the huge losses faced by the country due to animal diseases such as rabies, African swine fever (ASF) and foot and mouth disease (FMD) which attack livestock.
"Undoubtedly, each one of us must work harder than before to maintain disease-free standards and improve our self-sufficiency level (SSL) across various commodities," he said.
In order to achieve the department's objectives, Dr Adrian said several approaches have been identified and are being implemented.
Among these include strengthening the pawah system for ruminant livestock such as cattle, buffalo, goats and sheep, where the government has allocated about RM40 million to make the program a success.
"The privatization of livestock stations is expected to increase the level of self-sufficiency, especially in the ruminant sector, driven by the experienced private sector.
"Three breeding stations have been identified which are Temudok Station in Sri Aman for goat or sheep breeding; Karabungan Station in Miri for cattle breeding and Maragang Buffalo Station in Lawas for buffalo breeding and mozzarella cheese production using buffalo milk," he said.
In addition, he said the pig export industry has great potential and plays an important role in Sarawak's economy, which helps open up opportunities in the international market.
"The expansion of pig exports is proof of our ability and high standards in farming practices.
"It also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to quality care, safety and sustainability in livestock products by setting the benchmark for excellence in the global market.
"Disease isolation is one of the most effective ways to control disease outbreaks through strict biosecurity.
"By achieving FMD isolation status in pig farming areas approved by JPV Malaysia, we can maintain focus, efficiency and clarity in the decision-making process regarding animal disease control in the livestock industry," he said.
