18 Sep 2025
Sarawak hosts global poultry congress
Twenty international experts will address emerging issues such as disease prevention, biosecurity, policy directions, and future industry trends.
Sarawak is positioning its livestock industry as a cornerstone of economic growth by hosting the 23rd World Veterinary Poultry Association Congress (WVPAC 2025) in October.
The event underscores Malaysia’s ambition to strengthen food security, enhance competitiveness, and attract greater international investment into its poultry and livestock sectors.
Stephen Rundi Utom, State Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, described the congress as a vital platform for exchanging ideas, technology, and policy solutions.
He noted that Malaysia’s growing food import deficit, which reached USD 1.5 billion in 2024, highlights the urgency of building a more resilient and self-sufficient livestock sector.
Feed costs remain the largest obstacle to sustainable growth, with Malaysia heavily reliant on imported raw materials. Sarawak is exploring alternative feed sources such as biomass and black soldier fly production to reduce dependency on imports and stabilize production costs.
Congress to elevate Sarawak’s profile globally
Adrian Susin Ambud, Sarawak Veterinary Services Department Director, said the congress will elevate Sarawak’s profile on the global map while supporting the state’s livestock ambitions.
Although Sarawak currently achieves 98% self-sufficiency in poultry, it still depends on imports of certain chicken parts to balance market supply. The absence of a grandparent stock farm also leaves Malaysia exposed during disease outbreaks in West Malaysia, despite Sarawak’s fully integrated production-to-market system.
Abdul Rahman Omar, Chairman of the WVPAC 2025 Organizing Committee, confirmed that more than 1,500 participants from nearly 50 countries are expected to attend under the theme ‘Sustainable healthy poultry for a healthier world’.
Twenty international experts, including speakers from Malaysia, UK, US, and Thailand, will address emerging issues such as disease prevention, biosecurity, policy directions, and future industry trends.
Malaysia won the bid to host WVPAC in 2018 with strong government and industry backing, reinforcing its role as a key regional hub for poultry expertise.
The congress will include a gala dinner officiated by Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg on September 30, 2025, further cementing the state’s leadership in advancing global discussions on sustainable poultry production.
