SEREMBU: Local state assemblyman, Datuk Miro Simuh, is optimistic that the proposed cattle farming project in Kampung Seromah will take off this year.
Describing it as an important initiative with strong economic potential for the local community, he said the project, which will be funded by the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), is now moving forward with the appointment of a consultant to carry out the necessary planning and development work.
“With the consultant already appointed, we are hopeful that the project can proceed according to schedule and begin implementation this year,” he said, commenting on the progress of the proposed farm.
According to Miro, the RM15-million commercial cattle farm project is significant not only for the local economy but also for strengthening food security in Sarawak.
He noted that demand for beef continues to rise while local production remains limited, making initiatives such as the proposed cattle farm crucial in reducing dependence on imported meat.
“This project has a high economic impact. It will not only help boost local beef production but also create job opportunities and business activities for people in the surrounding villages,” he said.
Miro added that the initiative could also encourage greater community participation in the agriculture and livestock sectors, especially among rural residents seeking sustainable sources of income.
He said that once operational, the farm is expected to serve as a catalyst for the development of related downstream activities such as feed supply, transportation, and meat distribution.
“This is part of a broader effort to strengthen the agriculture sector in Serembu and improve the livelihoods of the rural community,” he explained.
Miro also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak government and GKCDA for supporting development initiatives in the constituency, particularly projects that focus on long-term economic sustainability.
He stressed that agriculture remains a key sector that can contribute to the state’s economic growth while ensuring an adequate food supply for the people.
“With proper planning and implementation, the cattle farm project in Kampung Seromah will bring meaningful benefits to the community and contribute to Sarawak’s efforts to enhance food security,” he added.
Miro said high-quality cattle from Australia will be imported both for fattening and rearing at the farm for beef.
He explained that the initial plan was to use Angus or Wagyu cattle from Japan, but the decision was changed to Australian breeds due to their demand and affordability in both local and international markets.
“If we were producing high-end beef from breeds like Angus or Wagyu, the demand in the local market is not very high. Because of this, we have decided to halt that programme and focus on meeting local demand. The demand for Australian-bred cattle is high among local consumers,” he said.
Miro emphasised that they are serious about starting the project because of its strong potential and the advantage that Sarawak is a Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free region.
“If we can produce more, we could even export the meat anywhere in the world because our record and certification show we are FMD-free,” he said.
He added that the farm in Kampung Seromah will conduct both breeding and fattening, using only cattle from FMD-free sources.
“For fattening, we will acquire yearlings weighing between 250 and 260 kg and fatten them over five to seven months until they reach 300 to 350 kg, ready for slaughter,” he said.
