BINTULU: Universiti Putra Malaysia Sarawak (UPMS) will house the largest veterinary school in Malaysia, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the school was established with the consent of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj, during the Proclamation Ceremony of UPMS at Istana Alam Shah in June.
He said the initiative also strengthened Sarawak’s autonomy in education, particularly in the field of veterinary studies.
“This decision was made after His Majesty told me Sarawak has great potential in agriculture, including livestock.
“I told His Majesty that we lack doctors, including veterinarians, and from that discussion, His Majesty agreed to set up a veterinary school in Bintulu,” he said when officiating the Sarawak Agrofest 2025 at Bintulu Old Airport here today.
During a press conference, Abang Johari pointed out that the state had ample land and resources to expand veterinary studies beyond cattle farming.
He said cattle farming was shifting towards feedlots rather than open grazing, which required a steady supply of nutritious feed.
“Animal feed can be produced from palm kernel waste combined with nutrients such as napier grass. This creates healthy feed for ruminants, which means healthier cattle and better yields.
“This is part of our effort to further expand livestock development,” he added.
During the event, Abang Johari also launched the “Sarawak Veterinary Registered” logo, and presented several awards, including Successful Food Crop Entrepreneur, Successful Agro-based Industry Entrepreneur, Successful Inland Fisheries Entrepreneur, Successful Area Farmers’ Organisation Award, Successful Livestock Breeder Award, and the Sarawak Agropreneur Icon Award.
