By TVS
KLANG: The Sarawak government has announced the establishment of the School of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (SVAS) in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak to support its food security aspirations.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the establishment of SVAS would serve as the first model of cooperation between the Sarawak government and a public university (UA) in producing veterinary specialists.
“To that end, the state government will provide long-term funding to ensure the sustainability of SVAS,” he said during the Proclamation Ceremony of UPM Sarawak at Istana Alam Shah, here yesterday (June 30).
Abang Johari explained that the initiative aligns with Sarawak’s commitment to advancing higher education and strategic research in line with the state’s sustainable development goals.
“The establishment of the veterinary school will create more opportunities for Sarawakian students to pursue studies in the field.
“This will, in turn, strengthen the sustainability of the livestock industry and enhance animal health standards in Sarawak,” he added.
The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is the Chancellor of UPM, officiated at the proclamation, with Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi also present.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki were also in attendance.
