KUCHING, May 15 (Bernama) -- An assemblyman has proposed that the Sarawak government establish a dedicated Sarawak Livestock Industry Board (SLIB) to develop the state's livestock industry in a more structured, modern, and large-scale manner.
Serembu assemblyman Datuk Miro Simuh said the establishment of such a board is crucial, as Sarawak still relies heavily on imported beef, mutton and other livestock products, while the state also faces global food security challenges and rising import costs.
He said Sarawak possesses vast land, abundant natural resources and significant potential to commercially develop its ruminant industry, including cattle, buffalo and goats.
"The Sarawak Veterinary Services Department (DVSS) currently focuses more on regulatory functions such as livestock disease control, biosecurity, enforcement and import control.
"We need a development board that is more focused on economic aspects, investment and comprehensive livestock industry development," he said.
He said this when debating a motion of thanks for the address by Sarawak Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar during the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly sitting today.
A similar proposal was also voiced by Dr. Simon Sinang Bada (GPS-Tebedu), who urged the Sarawak Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development to establish the SLIB in line with the aspirations of the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
He said the board could help raise the self-sufficiency level for beef and mutton production to at least 25 per cent by 2030, in addition to managing the development of pig farming areas, ruminant breeding centres and attracting private sector investment.
"The DVSS is having manpower issues... with this establishment, the DVSS can seriously focus on disease eradication, quarantine, enforcement and laboratory services," he said.
-- BERNAMA
