June 22, 2026
 

Malaysia's Sabah urged to fast-track pig farming park amid import reliance

Assemblyman Samuel Wong said recently approved pork imports from Denmark and Norway offer only temporary relief, with Sabah's pig sector still recovering from a 2021 African Swine Fever outbreak.

Malaysia's Sabah urged to fast-track pig farming park amid import reliance

Assemblyman Samuel Wong said recently approved pork imports from Denmark and Norway offer only temporary relief, with Sabah's pig sector still recovering from a 2021 African Swine Fever outbreak.

Sabah, Malaysia, should treat recently approved pork imports as a temporary measure and urgently strengthen local pig farming to secure long-term food security and price stability, said Luyang assemblyman Samuel Wong.

Wong said the state's pig farming sector is still recovering from African Swine Fever, which caused major livestock losses in 2021 and forced many farmers to scale down or exit the industry. He noted that while Sabah continues to rely on imports, neighbouring Sarawak is expanding its pig population significantly toward 2030.

Wong called for the state government to prioritise completion of the Tongod Pig Farming Park under the Sabah Agriculture Blueprint 2020-2030. The project is approximately 80% complete but not yet operational, with delays resulting in lost production, missed investment opportunities and continued pressure on supply and prices, he said.

Wong called for clear production targets, stronger veterinary and biosecurity systems, rebuilding of breeding stock, and greater financing and incentive support for farmers. He also urged efforts to attract strategic investors, encourage youth participation in modern livestock farming, and develop local feed production to reduce costs.

"Imports may solve today's shortage, but only stronger local production can guarantee Sabah's food security, stable prices and long-term economic opportunities," Wong said.

- The Borneo Post