KUCHING: Sarawak targets to achieve RM1 billion in live pig export value by 2030, once three of the state’s largest pig producers operate at full capacity.
It has set out to do so through modernisation and the adoption of advanced technology, said Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
He said this after leading a high-level delegation to Denmark from August 8-17 to explore ways to enhance Sarawak’s livestock sector with cutting-edge technology and best practices.
According to Dr Rundi, the mission was to give Sarawak direct exposure to Denmark’s advanced practices in breeding, robotics, food safety and disease prevention.
The findings from the visit will contribute towards Sarawak’s livestock development strategy, particularly in strengthening disease prevention measures against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and African Swine Fever (ASF), and in exploring new investment opportunities in pig farming.
Denmark’s pork industry contributes 30 per cent to its agriculture sector, supported by a population of 11.45 million pigs, and exports 90 per cent of its production to 140 countries, including Germany and Poland.
“This provides Sarawak with a strong reference point as we strengthen our own livestock industry,” said Dr Rundi.
According to a media statement, while in Denmark, the delegation engaged with some of the country’s leading institutions and companies in the livestock and food-processing sector.
Among the highlights were visits to Big Dutchmen, a world leader in livestock equipment and feed processing, as well as discussions with the Danish Food and Veterinary Council on border control systems and livestock transportation.
The team also toured DanBred, Denmark’s largest pig breeding company, and inspected a modern pig farm.
Additionally, the delegation held discussions with modular abattoir producers and Techocollege on pig slaughterhouse training and technology.
The group also visited Danish Finest Chicken, a halal-certified poultry processing plant, and Danish Crown in Horsens, widely recognised as the most modern pig slaughterhouse and processing facility in Europe.
By adopting modern technology and systems observed in Denmark, the state aims to position itself as a net food exporter by 2030.
The delegation also comprised Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben, Director of Sarawak Veterinary Services Datuk Dr Adrian Susin, Director of Agriculture Dominic Chunggat, SALCRA General Manager Joseph Blandoi, SLDB General Manager Professor Dr Harry Entebang, UPM Sarawak Director Professor Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini, Ministry Policy Chief David Branch Ambor, Deputy Veterinary Director Dr William Rovina Nating, and the Minister’s Private Secretary Stephen Ruin.
