KUCHING: Rural folk have been advised against hunting for wild boars to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) among domesticated pigs.
In giving the advice, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas noted that the ASF has besieged pig farmers in Sarawak recently.
He said avoiding hunting for wild boars would help in curbing the spread of the ASF.
Uggah said although the meat of an affected animal was safe to eat but kitchen leftovers if fed to domestic pigs would affect them.
“We have seen the deadly effect in many places and longhouses statewide. The disease has greatly reduced the domestic pig population,” he said.
Uggah noted that wild boars crossing into the state from across the border had been found to spread ASF in Kapit and Limbang.
Uggah gave the advice when officiating at the Kubal Ulu Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu sub-branch triennial delegate meeting at Rh. Mendit Unsu in Penom, Ulu Paku, Spaoh today.
He said for those whose livestock had not been affected, they should take all precautions to save them.
“Communicate with the local veterinary services office for advices,” he urged the rural folk.
Meanwhile on politics, Uggah urged party members to take the necessary steps to further strengthen the state government anchor party.
“Let us, for instance, attract more youth 18 years old and above to become members. Then our support base will be greatly enhanced,” he added.
He also said all grassroots leaders should not shy away from giving feedbacks to their elected representatives on the people‘s expectations for development programmes and welfare assistance.
“We need these feedbacks to present to the state leaders. The government is now prioritising income generating activities for rural folk through agricultural activities,” Uggah added.
“We also have programmes to assist those seeking welfare assistance,” he said.
Uggah also thanked the voters in Bukit Saban constituency for giving him their strong support in the recent state election.
He said the opposition had tried to topple him by spreading lies, using character assassination tactics and allegations of nepotism and even vote buying.
“But the voters, he said, were not easily taken in as they could distinguish facts from lies.
“They too know who could really help and guide them to a better future,” he said.
