KUCHING: Sarawak reached a new milestone in its journey to become a net food exporter by 2030 with the successful export of 800 live pigs to Selangor by local company, Green Breeder Sdn Bhd.
The shipment, which departed from the Pending Port here today and took about 60 hours to reach Selangor, marks a breakthrough for the state’s livestock industry and its aspirations to penetrate larger domestic and international markets.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, hailed the shipment as a clear demonstration of Sarawak’s capability to meet stringent biosecurity and animal health standards, positioning the state as a serious player in the national and regional food supply chain.
“In fact, it’s the moment that we have to tell not only to Sarawakians but Malaysians and even the world that we are able to export live pigs in this case and in the future maybe poultry too.
“Because this has been a dream for us. When we talk about being the net food exporter by 2030, back in our mind it’s a gigantic task for us to be able to be a net food export,” he said.
Dr Rundi made these remarks when speaking to reporters during the official loading ceremony of the pigs at Pending Port.
He attributed Sarawak’s livestock export readiness to the state’s effective disease management protocols, especially in controlling outbreaks such as African Swine Fever (ASF).
“We were fortunate during the ASF outbreak to have contained the disease effectively. Many producers elsewhere lost their businesses due to poor containment, but Sarawak managed to stay ahead,” he said.
Dr Rundi noted that although there is currently no available vaccine for ASF, Sarawak’s strict biosecurity measures have allowed the state to continue exports not only to Malaya but also to Singapore.
“Our success has not gone unnoticed. Other Asean countries are beginning to view Sarawak as a reliable and safe source of live pigs,” he added.
He also said Sarawak remains free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), further boosting investor confidence in the state’s livestock sector.
“With our disease-free status and strategic biosecurity policies, Sarawak is now an attractive destination for livestock farming,” he said.
Dr Rundi also revealed that a new Veterinary School of Medicine will soon be established under Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak.
The institution will play a crucial role in training veterinary professionals and supporting the future growth of the state’s livestock and agricultural sectors.
“We will need more veterinary professionals as the sector grows. This school will support not just our current needs but also long-term planning for livestock and food security,” he explained.
On pork prices, he acknowledged public concerns over affordability, but stressed that increasing production volume is key to stabilising prices.
“The best way to control prices is by boosting supply. We are working to increase production, and the government will continue to monitor and take steps to ensure prices remain reasonable,” he said.
