KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak Government will be restructuring its food industry as part of efforts to become a future food producer.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the state will introduce new legislation on waste management to produce animal feed, thereby reducing its dependence on imported animal feed, one of the main factors driving up meat prices in Sarawak.
“Previously, palm oil waste was left unmanaged. So, I initiated a project in Lubok Antu where palm kernel shells are broken down into biomass, which is then mixed with napier grass to create animal feed.
“With this locally produced feed, we can adopt a feedlot system instead of open grazing, and this will allow us to produce our own meat,” he said.
He made these remarks during the Townhall Agenda Sarawak session held in conjunction with Lan Brambeh Anak Sarawak (LBAS) 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here on Saturday.
In addition, the restructuring of the food industry will also involve the introduction of a veterinary science programme at Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS) to address the shortage of qualified veterinarians.
“At present, we are facing a shortage of certified veterinarians.
“We must strengthen the veterinary field, not only in terms of food production but also in disease control, especially Rabies, which has claimed many lives in Sarawak,” he added.
