KUCHING: Sarawak is almost fully self-sufficient in poultry production, meeting 98 per cent of its needs, but continues to import chicken wings to balance strong consumer demand and stabilise prices.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the state produces sufficient chicken overall, but demand for certain parts, particularly wings, exceeds local supply.
“Overall, we have enough supply of chicken and chicken parts. There’s no issue.
“But demand for chicken wings is quite good, so we need to import some to stabilise the price,” he told a press conference during the 23rd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress (WVPAC 2025) at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.
The imports, mainly from Denmark, are halal-certified and reasonably priced, ensuring affordability for Sarawakians.
Dr Rundi stressed that regulating imports is necessary to prevent price manipulation locally.
“One of the reasons why we still need to import is to stabilise the price. If you allow it to be controlled and manipulated within the local, we cannot control the price,” he said.
He also noted cultural preferences in cooking play a role, as different cuts of chicken are favoured for dishes such as barbecue and curry.
Meanwhile, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak Director-General Datuk Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said the state’s poultry industry is well-integrated, covering production through to marketing.
“The only thing we don’t have is a grandparents’ stock (GPS) farm. If there were to be an outbreak of avian influenza in Peninsular Malaysia.
“For example, we would face a shortage of day-old chicks, which are very crucial for the industry,” he explained.
At the same event, a moment of silence was observed for veterinarian and entrepreneur Dr Gregory Ng Siew Thiam, founder of Green Breeder Sdn Bhd and Precious Food Products Sdn Bhd (Borneo Fresh Pork).
