S’wak mulls special scholarships for veterinary students to boost State’s livestock, aquaculture ambitions

Abang Johari with moderator Sri Aman MP Dato Sri Doris Sophia Brodie during the Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak Townhall Session at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 25, 2025. Photo: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS)

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Oct 25: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has assured that the Sarawak government will consider introducing dedicated scholarships for veterinary medicine students to support the State’s growing livestock and aquaculture ambitions.

Speaking at the annual Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak Townhall Session at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur today, he was responding to a concern raised by a Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) student who highlighted that veterinary students receive far less government sponsorship compared with those pursuing medical studies.

The student, who is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine programme, said many Sarawakian veterinary students are determined to contribute to the State’s food security and agricultural growth but face financial challenges due to limited scholarship support.

Recognising the importance of the field, Abang Johari said veterinary education deserves equal attention as medical studies since it plays a crucial role in strengthening Sarawak’s livestock and food production sectors.

“When we have the veterinary school at UPM Bintulu, we will take this into account to increase the number of veterinary students specialising in animal health. God willing, we will include this in the next bursary allocation,” he assured.

He stressed that developing more veterinary professionals is vital as Sarawak aims to boost its domestic meat output and expand aquaculture exports.

“We want to export meat as well, including fish. Currently, we are exporting tilapia to Singapore. This is part of our transformation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,” he added.

The Lan Berambeh Anak Sarawak Townhall Session is held annually as a platform for Sarawakian youths studying and working in Peninsular Malaysia to directly engage with State leaders and raise matters affecting their well-being and future development. — DayakDaily