KUCHING: The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) are collaborating to develop an anthelmintic product which functions to expel parasitic worms and other internal parasites in livestock, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Exchange.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said this collaboration reflects Sarawak’s commitment to advancing a science-based modern bioeconomy, while simultaneously leveraging its rich biodiversity to create high-value solutions that strengthen food security and support livestock resilience here.

He noted that this will directly reduce the dependency on imported synthetic medicines while promoting innovation rooted in natural resources and local knowledge.

“As livestock producers face increasing challenges due to drug-resistant parasites, this initiative positions Sarawak at the forefront of providing sustainable, next-generation solutions to help farmers enhance productivity and contribute to a more resilient agri-food system,” he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after witnessing the MoU exchange ceremony between SBC, represented by the Permanent Secretary of MEITD Datu Adana Jed, and DVS Sarawak represented by its Director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud, here on Tuesday.

Also present were Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, MEITD Deputy Minister, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and Chief Executive Officer of SBC, Dato Dr Yeo Tiong Chia.

Elaborating further, Dato Sri Roland Sagah explained that this research will involve the participation of the local community, specifically the Bidayuh ethnic group, to supply the raw material, — the Sipudun plant, scientifically known as Picria fel-terrae. 

Meanwhile, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi explained that this plant, which can only be found in the Southeast Asian region, will pave the way for Sarawak to commercialise the final product if the study is successful, particularly to major livestock-producing nations such as New Zealand.

“Sarawak is extremely rich in biodiversity, and we are determined to leverage this potential where SBC plays a vital role in our progress.

“We cannot rely entirely on medical resources from other parts of the world, as we already possess abundant natural resources, and our goal is to explore and develop these resources as effectively as possible including applying for patents for Sarawak,” he remarked.

In this context, the amendment to the Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance has empowered SBC including for commercial purposes and for establishing subsidiary companies to bring research findings to the external market. – UKASnews

Reporter: Jonnie Kiew 
Translator: Ryan Lim
Photographer: Ibanez Jeffery Guang