Bintulu: Sarawak is drafting a new law that will require the collection of agricultural waste, including oil palm kernels, to be processed into animal feed and biogas. The initiative is part of the State’s plan to build a stronger circular economy, reports Dayak Daily.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Attorney-General’s Chambers is preparing the legal framework, which is expected to be ready by the end of this year. The law will give the State authority to gather agriculture by-products on a larger scale.
“Our goal is to make sure oil palm kernel waste is not discarded but turned into useful products. When mixed with napier grass, it can become nutritious feed for cattle. It can also be used to produce biomass that generates biogas, and even sustainable aviation fuel,” Abang Johari said at the opening of Sarawak Agrofest 2025 in Bintulu.
He noted that Sarawak has already overtaken Sabah as Malaysia’s largest oil palm producer but has yet to fully tap the potential of its kernel industry. With proper systems in place, he said, agricultural waste could reduce dependence on imported feed while creating new income sources.
“Cattle in feedlots grow faster and healthier with enriched feed compared to open grazing. At the same time, biomass from palm kernels can be turned into biogas, and then into biofuels such as aviation fuel. This is how we create more value from the same resource,” he said.
The Premier also highlighted the State’s land resources for cattle development but acknowledged a shortage of veterinarians. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak has set up a veterinary programme, and the Department of Veterinary Services is expanding manpower to address the gap.
He urged native landowners with oil palm plantations to explore feedlot and feedstock businesses, adding that legal backing and scale are essential for waste collection to succeed.
Abang Johari said Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom recently visited Brazil to study modern livestock and feed technologies that could be applied in Sarawak.
Looking ahead, he said the State’s vision goes beyond food security. “Airlines everywhere are required to use sustainable aviation fuel. From our oil palm industry, we can produce this fuel and generate income. That is the Sarawak way—adding value to resources through innovation,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Malaysia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing were among the guests at the event.
