KUCHING: The state government has assured that there is sufficient supply of cows for sacrificial slaughter in conjunction with Aidiladha this Thursday.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom in a statement on Tuesday said Sarawak needs around 1,500 to 2,000 heads of cattle every year.
“This year 1,300 cows were imported from Australia and 80 cows from Sabah with the remaining 500 being supplied by local producers,” he said.
He added that the cow supply from producers is monitored by the Department of Veterinary Services.
The ministry aims to produce 10,000 cows per year by 2030 to reduce dependence on imports from Australia and Sabah.
“Sarawak cannot import from Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia due to the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Sarawak is still recognised as free from foot-and-mouth disease without vaccination by the World Animal Health Organisation,” said Rundi.
He pointed out that due to cows costing more than 20 per cent higher, the demand for sacrificial cattle this year has decreased compared to the previous year.
“The increase in the cost of inputs such as food, lack of farm workers, the declining value of the ringgit and the current economic situation also have a bearing on the number of sacrificial cows.
“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the price for cattle weighing 300kg to 350kg was estimated at RM6,000 per cow, but now the price has reached up to RM7,000. For 450kg to 500kg cattle, the price can reach RM10,000 per cow,” he added.
