KUCHING: Sarawak exported RM263 million worth of livestock products last year and is looking forward to increase the exports in the future, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“The future is indeed very bright for our livestock industry and I believe we can surely increase the exports,” he added when officiating at the state Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS) appreciation dinner here on Saturday night.
He pointed out that the livestock industry could be a leading sector in achieving the state’s ambition to be a net food and food products exporter by the year 2030.
The Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister added, “Therefore, the first task of DVSS is to push up the state self-sufficiency level (SSL) so that we can increase our volume.
“Currently, we have achieved 112 per cent SSL for pork, chicken eggs (100 pct), poultry (94 pct), milk (45 pct) and beef (12 pct). However, for mutton, it is only at 0.5 per cent. The department can focus on building up on our beef, milk and mutton,” he said.
Uggah said Sarawak was still free from diseases which could threaten the industry like the Avian Flu, African Swine Fever and the Mouth and Foot Disease.
“This is our comparative advantage in the industry besides the huge tracts of land available and our hardworking people. On the same note, it is the government’s very wish that the DVSS will continue to protect the state biosecurity.
“This shield should continue to be a permanent feature along our long coastline and our borders so we can stay free of diseases,” he said.
Uggah, who is also Second Finance Minister, assured that the government would continue to strengthen the department by enhancing its capability and capacity.
“We will get more staff and facilities and will send personnel for the necessary courses. We will ensure modern technology like the IoT will be part and parcel of our arsenals,” he added.
He also called on the department to be vigilant against buffalo smuggling into the state.
Uggah congratulated the department for acknowledging and appreciating very successful livestock entrepreneurs during the gathering.
“Tonight, we are honouring entrepreneurs like Dr Ng Siew Thiam in the pig and dairy cattle categories, May Wong Nyong Moi in edible bird nest and Chai Ming Dian for poultry.
“Others are Brangka Munan in dairy goat and Datuk Chew Chiaw Han for chicken eggs. They are role models in our industry,” he said.
On other matter, Uggah thanked DVSS for being in the frontline in the fight and eradication of the rabies outbreak.
“You have done a very good job. It has been the most challenging fight for all of us including the various government departments and agencies involved.
“On behalf of the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, I wish to congratulate and thank all,” he added.
At the function, Uggah presented the Excellent Service Awards to 19 recipients and appreciation letters to eight retiring officers.
Permanent Secretary to his ministry Awang Johari Awang Mustapha, DVSS director Dr Adrian Susin and the director of the state Agriculture Department Dr Alvin Chai were among those present.
