SIBU: The poultry and livestock industry has always been an indispensable pillar in Sarawak’s agricultural development.
Pointing out this, Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, said it not only provides the local market with a stable and safe supply of meat and eggs but also plays a crucial role in driving food security and economic growth.
“Especially here in Sibu, which has long been a stronghold of agriculture and animal husbandry, breeders and farmers, with their diligence, professionalism, and perseverance, had made remarkable contributions to the community and the state’s economy.
“The development of the poultry and livestock sector is not just about economic figures or market size; it is closely intertwined with people’s daily lives, culture, and community,” he said at the Sibu Poultry and Livestrock Farmers’ Association (SPLFA)’s newly executive committee (for year 2025-2026 term) installation ceremony dinner held here on Saturday.
To ensure sufficient food supply within Sarawak, he suggested that SPLFA may consider collaborating with universities in the state and even agricultural research teams abroad to survey Sarawak’s land and identify suitable environments for cultivating essential feed crops such as soybeans and corn.
“By doing so, we can safeguard these feed resources from being affected by natural disasters abroad, such as droughts or floods, which might otherwise disrupt imports and expose Sarawak to international food and feed price volatility.
“We all know that once international food and feed supplies become scarce, prices will surge. Furthermore, the unstable exchange rate between the Ringgit and the US Dollar is another undeniable factor influencing feed prices. These are economic realities we cannot escape.
“However, if Sarawak has the capability to produce its own poultry feed, we will no longer be at the mercy of the global market. On this basis, I hope that SPLFA can work hand-in-hand with the Sarawak Federation and the state government to explore further development of Sarawak’s land resources.
“This will secure the food interests of both consumers and industry players, while also advancing the Borneo Agricultural Transformation Initiative,” he added.
In welcoming SPLFA to put forward constructive proposals, Tiang was confident that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will certainly give serious consideration as such initiatives would represent a win-win solution for both the government and the people of Sarawak.
If successful, he believed Sarawak could even become the nation’s leading exporter of poultry feed in the future.
Among those present were SPLFA honorary adviser, Tan Sri Datuk Tiong Su Kouk; SPLFA Chairman, Ngu Deing Hung; and organising chairman, Chieng Yu Hua.
