KUCHING: Sarawak which faces a considerable shortage of veterinary professionals requires around 200 to 1,000 veterinary doctors for the livestock industry.
Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVS) director Datuk Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the department is undergoing organisational development and restructuring as the current workforce comprises only 270 staff in all positions.
“An estimated 1,000 personnel are required by 2030 to ensure the success of government initiatives in the livestock sector.
“Hence, a proposal has been initiated to estabish a Higher Education Institution specifically for Veterinary Science in Sarawak.
“Furthermore, the proposal to establish a Sarawak Livestock Industry Board (SLIB) holds immense significance in leading and propelling the development of the livestock industry, allowing the department to focus on veterinary services such as livestock disease control, import, export, and so on,” he said.
He was speaking at a DVS appreciation ceremony gala night, which was officiated by Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom at a hotel here on Sunday (Nov 12).
In reaching the department’s objective, Dr Adrian said several approaches have been identified and are currently being implemented like strengthening the pawah system for ruminant livestock, such as cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep, for which the government has allocated about RM40 million to ensure the success of this programme.
He said the privatisation of livestock stations is expected to elevate self-sufficiency levels, particularly in the ruminant sector, driven by an experienced private sector.
“Three livestock stations have been identified namely Temudok Station in Sri Aman for goat/sheep breeding; Karabungan Station in Miri for cattle breeding purposes and Maragang Buffalo Station in Lawas for buffalo breeding and the production of mozzarella cheese using buffalo milk,” he said.
He said the pig export industry holds immense potential and plays a pivotal role in Sarawak’s economy, which helps open up opportunities in the international market.
“The expansion of pig exports is a testament to our capabilities and high standards in farming practices.
“It also highlights the unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and sustainability in our livestock products, setting a benchmark for excellence in the global marketplace.
“Compartmentalisation emerges as a powerful tool as it allows us to control disease outbreaks through strict biosecurity.
“By achieving food-mouth disease (FMD) compartmentalisation status at our pig farming area approved by DVS Malaysia, we can maintain focus, efficiency, and clarity in our decision-making processes when it comes to animal disease control in the livestock industry,” he said.
