KUCHING: Sarawak is not facing any shortage of chicken meat and eggs, as about 98 per cent of the supply comes from local breeders, said state Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
He said the remaining two per cent consists of chicken wings imported from Denmark.
“There is high demand for chicken wings in Sarawak,” he said after unveiling that Sarawak will be hosting the 23rd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress (WVPAC 2025) from Oct 6 to 10 this year.
“We have enough supply of chicken meat. There is no issue in Sarawak,” he said, adding that the price of chicken is also reasonable.
“We are self-sufficient. We can produce enough poultry meat and eggs, and we are also exporting a fair bit of those products to other countries.”
However, he said the poultry industry must boost production by adopting new technology to reduce costs further.
Dr Rundi said his ministry and the state Veterinary Services Department remain on full alert for threats to the poultry industry.
“These threats are in the form of infectious diseases.”
He also said his ministry has been tasked by the state government with ensuring sufficient food supply for the state, including imports to cover any deficit.
He said Sarawak imported RM4 billion of food in 2022, RM5.2 billion in 2023 and RM7.2 billion last year.
On the upcoming WVPAC 2025, he said it will serve as a platform to share cutting-edge research and solutions, and best practices to ensure the resilience of global poultry production.
He said it is set to attract over 1,500 delegates from more than 50 countries, including 19 renowned speakers, alongside an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations, products and services in poultry health and production.
“Together, the speakers and delegates will address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in poultry health, biosecurity, food safety and sustainable farming.”
He said the state government is determined to make Sarawak more self-reliant and competitive in supplying food, building a resilient food system for the people, while promoting sustainable poultry farming practices.
He added that the benefits of hosting the congress go beyond agriculture, adding that it is expected to generate more than RM9.8 million in total economic impact for Sarawak, creating opportunities for local businesses, communities and industries.
“Its true legacy will be the exchange of ideas, the forging of partnerships, and the advancement of a more resilient and sustainable food system for future generations.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
