Serembu rep urges bigger budget to boost Sarawak's ruminant industry to achieve 50 pct self-sufficiency
KUCHING (May 23): Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh has proposed a larger budget allocation to further enhance the ruminant industry in Sarawak under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) with the aim of achieving at least 50 per cent self-sufficiency in meeting local market demand.
At the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, he said the policy direction for the development of the ruminant industry in Sarawak should prioritise improving productivity, reducing dependency on imported meat, enhancing genetic management efficiency, and ultimately strengthening income generation for farmers involved.
'However, current productivity levels in the ruminant industry remain very low. We are still heavily reliant on imported meat to meet domestic needs.
'Based on available data, the self-sufficiency level of our ruminant industry in Sarawak has yet to reach even 20 per cent,' he revealed.
As such, Miro reiterated the need for a substantial allocation in the upcoming 13MP to strengthen the industry and help Sarawak meet at least half of its local demand through domestic production.
He also called for greater focus on the Sarawak Ruminant Policy, led by the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS), which he said should prioritise three key areas.
Firstly, the policy should emphasise genetic quality enhancement and increased domestic breeding.
These efforts, he added, would help grow the number of livestock farmers in the state, including both smallholders and large-scale private sector investors operating modern farms.
'Only with financial assistance and government support can we afford to import diverse, high-quality breeds for breeding purposes in Sarawak, and thereby increase the number of cattle and goats available locally,' he said.
Secondly, Miro underlined the importance of developing local animal feed production, describing it as a critical supporting industry within the livestock production cycle.
'The government could introduce specific incentives to encourage more local investors to venture into feed manufacturing.
'With the presence of local feed mills, the livestock and ruminant industries will be further stimulated in the years to come,' he said.
Thirdly, he proposed that DVSS plan more courses and training programmes for those interested in joining the ruminant industry.
'Technical training, technology transfer, and sound farm management are essential to prepare and support aspiring livestock farmers,' he said. 13MP DUN Miro Simuh ruminant industry self sufficiency
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