KUCHING (Oct 20): The Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Selangau is expected to begin operations in 2027, with full completion targeted for 2028, said Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

He said the PFA consists of 233 hectares with an investment of RM200 million, and has a breeding capacity of 12,000 sows annually.

“The swine industry remains an important contributor to Sarawak’s export earnings. Since 2017, the Pasir Puteh PFA has exported more than 350,000 porkers valued at RM312 million to Singapore, maintaining a reliable supply of approximately 2,500 live pigs per week.

“In addition, Sarawak is exporting an additional 500 live pigs weekly to Selangor since 2025.

“In 2026, Sarawak’s swine industry generated RM158.75 million in export earnings from the export of 109,606 live pigs,” said Dr Rundi in his ministerial winding up speech.

He said to further strengthen domestic production and enhance food security, Sarawak is advancing the development of two major swine farming facilities including the PFA in Selangau and development of Modern Pig Farm (MPF) in Ensengei, Serian.

The MPF in Esengei Serian covers 202 hectares operated by a private commercial venture with an investment of RM385 million.

“The facility will adopt a closed-house farming system with a capacity of 80,000 pigs by 2030 including modern abattoir. The Phase 1 that was completed last year has produced 700 to 800 porkers monthly.

“These developments are aligned with Sarawak’s target of increasing annual pork production to 860,000 porkers, valued at RM1.5 billion, by 2030,” he said.

Dr Rundi added the state continues to strengthen biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF), while enhancing protocols to facilitate safe and sustainable pork exports to regional markets.