Sarawak to Tackle Veterinary Crisis with New School

Sarawak Tackles Veterinary Doctor Shortage with New Veterinary School Sarawak, Malaysia is facing a severe shortage of veterinary doctors, with only 15 serving a population of 2.5 million. This critical situation has prompted the state government to take decisive action. The government plans to take over a branch of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Bintulu to establish a dedicated veterinary education center. This initiative is a key part of a larger strategy to address the shortage and improve animal healthcare in the state. "We plan to have our own veterinary school in Semenggoh," stated Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Rural Development Sarawak, in a recent press conference. "The Sultan of Selangor has supported this proposal, and we are working closely with the Premier of Sarawak to make this happen." The move is expected to significantly boost the number of local veterinary professionals in the long term. The current situation forces Sarawak to rely on veterinarians from Indonesia and Peninsular Malaysia, highlighting the urgency of the problem. The establishment of a local veterinary school represents a significant step toward self-sufficiency and improved animal welfare in Sarawak.