DVSS has tightened the scrap of the controversial names 'Kumang', 'Keling'

KUCHING, 3 Oct: Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVSS) has tightened the culling process and promotion guidelines following controversy over the use of 'Kumang' and 'Keling' names for livestock.

Sarawak Veterinary Service Director, Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud said that the party took full responsibility regarding the use of both names which have a high value of legend, prestige, heritage and cultural identity for the Iban community.

"DVSS has ordered that the use of the names 'Kumang' and 'Keling' be immediately discontinued for the purposes of promoting the livestock concerned and all relevant digital or physical display materials will be removed, withdrawn and corrected.

"Departments have also contacted farmers to coordinate the issue and we once again apologize that this insensitivity is a shared responsibility that must be addressed openly without pointing fingers at any of the parties alone", he said in a statement today.

According to him, the incident occurred with no intention of upsetting any party, but DVSS admitted there were flaws in the process of filtering local cultural sensitivities when preparing promotional materials.

As a follow-up step, he said, the department will tighten the selection process as well as promotion guidelines to ensure that cultural values, official customs and heritage of all races in Sarawak continue to be respected.

Earlier, it was reported on social media about two Balinese cows being exhibited at Agrofest Sarawak (SAF) 2026 at the site of Bintulu Old Airport, respectively named 'Kumang Agrofest 2025' and 'Keling Agrofest 2026', prompting criticism from the Iban community. - TVS