Miro proposes livestock feed subsidies for local farmers

The Sarawak government has been urged to introduce a targeted livestock feed subsidy programme to help local farmers, particularly smallholders and rural entrepreneurs involved in cattle, goat and sheep farming, cope with rising production costs.

Serembu assemblyman Datuk Miro Simuh said high animal feed costs remained a major challenge for livestock farmers, directly affecting production expenses, profit margins and the affordability of locally produced meat.

“I also would like to propose that the Sarawak government introduce a targeted livestock feed subsidy programme to assist local farmers, particularly smallholders and rural entrepreneurs involved in cattle, goat and sheep farming,” he said when debating the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Oct 14).

He said that even with access to quality breeding stock, farmers would struggle to expand their operations if feed costs remained high.

Miro welcomed the state’s continued commitment to livestock development, noting that Sarawak Budget 2027 had allocated RM24.57 million for the sector.

The allocation includes RM18.5 million for quality breeding stock and RM3.37 million for commercial livestock development, alongside support for livestock stations, extension services and promotional activities.

He urged the government to further strengthen support for cattle breeding and fattening farms, improve access to financing and quality breeding stock, and encourage partnerships between government agencies, private investors and local farmers.

He said Sarawak must also strengthen its domestic food production capacity and encourage more farmers to participate in commercial agriculture to reduce dependence on imported food.

“This can be achieved by developing a complete supply chain involving farming, processing, packaging and marketing, thereby improving food security while creating sustainable income opportunities for our rural communities,” he said.

Miro also called on the relevant ministry to clarify whether a district-level database was maintained on food production, demand, imports, available agricultural land and production gaps for major food commodities.

He said such data could help the government identify gaps in domestic food supply and determine priorities for future agricultural investments.