(Kuching, 28th) Sarawak's pig farming industry has tremendous potential and is expected to be positioned as a net food export region by 2030.
According to the first annual report of Sarawak's Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 released by the Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Sarawak exported 112,700 pigs in 2023 alone, valued at RM 169.77 million.
This fruitful achievement stems from the total production of several pig farming concentrated areas in Sarawak, including Pasir Puteh in Samarahan, Serian area in Sibu, and Samalaju in Bintulu. These pig farming concentrated areas are located in permanent forest land, covering a total area of 1,267 hectares, capable of holding 550,000 pigs.
The Sarawak government implements the pig farming concentrated area plan to protect public health by implementing a modern centralized waste treatment system, relocating existing pig farms to reduce pollution, and implementing appropriate animal health and disease control measures, to achieve the transformation, modernization, and centralization of the pig farming industry.
“The Sarawak government is actively promoting private sector investment in ruminant farming, with the strategic goal of increasing meat self-sufficiency from 12% to 25% by 2030.”
The report states that to achieve this vision, the mission of the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority is to establish a structured cattle breeding program and a cattle-oil palm integration plan.
The pig farming industry is a key initiative of the post-pandemic development strategy, aiming to promote the production of high-value commodities and livestock, so that Sarawak becomes a net food exporter by 2030.
The report also points out that the annual production capability of 150,000 pigs in pig farming concentrated areas will enable the monthly income of rural households to reach RM 15,000, which is very profitable and is in line with Sarawak's goal of fully commercializing agribusiness and agricultural activities by 2030.