Sarawak expands modern pig farms, boosts fisheries production

KUCHING (Dec 3): Sarawak’s swine industry is set to operate three modern pig farms (MPF) by 2030, with a combined capacity of 500,000 standing pig population (SPP) and an annual production of 860,000 porkers worth RM1.5 billion.

Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that despite African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks, the Pig Farming Area (PFA) in Pasir Puteh continues exporting as it is certified ASF-free by the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia.

“To date, 82,400 live pigs valued at RM129.8 million have been exported to Singapore, while 12,600 live pigs worth RM21.7 million have been exported to Selangor,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) on Tuesday.

Regarding Tebedu, Dr Rundi said the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) conducted tests on pigs in affected villages following concerns over Japanese Encephalitis (JE).

“All samples tested negative for JE virus RNA. My ministry will continue disease surveillance initiatives to prevent its spread,” he added.

On the fisheries subsector, Dr Rundi said Sarawak’s marine, inland, and aquaculture industries involve 15,191 fishermen and fish farmers.

In 2025, total fisheries production is projected at 106,715 metric tonnes, valued at RM1.4 billion.

As of October 2025, Sarawak imported RM537.5 million worth of fisheries produce but exported RM169 million. The ministry plans to strengthen aquaculture capacity to address this imbalance.

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), 12 inland fisheries stations will undergo upgrades to enhance fish fry production and capacity building.

“This includes increasing Semariang Batu Inland Fisheries Station’s fry production from three million to nine million to support aquaculture need,” Dr Rundi said.

He added that the State Farmers’ Organisation Sarawak is enhancing red and black tilapia fry production at the Ridan Inland Fisheries Station as the anchor company and is exploring collaboration with a private firm to boost black tilapia fry production.