KUCHING: Sarawak's commodity and agrifood sector continues to demonstrate impressive performance, with palm oil export value rising to RM11.5 billion for the January to August 2026 period, while the pig farming industry generated RM158.75 million through the export of 109,606 live pigs this year.

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said these achievements reflect the capability of both sectors to drive state economic growth while expanding export markets for local produce.

“Our agrifood and commodity sectors are on the right trajectory.

“The increase in palm oil export earnings, along with the expansion of live pig exports to Singapore and Selangor, not only strengthens state revenue but also proves that Sarawak's products meet stringent international quality and biosecurity standards,” he said.

He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here on Tuesday.

Commenting on the performance of the palm oil industry, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi noted that total export volume from January to August 2026 increased to 2.6 million metric tonnes, an addition of 317,585 metric tonnes compared to the same period last year.

According to him, this volume growth contributed an export value increase of RM1.2 billion, bringing the total to RM11.5 billion compared to RM10.3 billion recorded over the corresponding period in 2025.

During the same period, Crude Palm Kernel Oil (CPKO) production rose 13 percent to 272,210 tonnes, while Crude Palm Oil (CPO) production grew eight percent to 2.9 million tonnes across a cultivated area of 1.7 million hectares.

Meanwhile, he highlighted that Sarawak's pig farming industry continues to solidify its foothold in both domestic and international markets through consistent supplies from the Pasir Puteh Pig Farming Area (PFA).

He added that the farming hub has been supplying approximately 2,500 live pigs weekly to Singapore since 2017.

“To further expand our market reach, Sarawak has also been supplying 500 live pigs weekly to Selangor since 2025,” he added.

In efforts to boost production capacity and reinforce biosecurity measures, the Sarawak Government is developing two modern farming facilities: the RM200 million Selangau Pig Farming Area (PFA) and the RM385 million Ensengei Modern Pig Farm (MPF) in Serian.

Both facilities will utilize closed-house farming systems to enhance production efficiency and bolster livestock disease control.

These developments support Sarawak's target of increasing annual production to 860,000 pigs valued at RM1.5 billion by 2030. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Lonney Jinab
Photos: George S. Embie
Translator: Ryan Lim