BETONG: Rural folk in Sarawak have been urged to avoid hunting for wild boars for now to curb the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said although the meat of the affected animal was safe to eat, kitchen leftovers, if fed to domestic pigs, would affect them.
"We have seen the deadly effect in many places and longhouses state-wide. The disease has greatly reduced the domestic pig population," he said.
Uggah said the wild boars crossing the state from across the border had been found to spread ASF in Kapit and Limbang.
He gave the advice when officiating the Kubal Ulu Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) sub-branch triennial delegates meeting at Rh.Mendit Unsu in Penom, Ulu Paku, in Spaoh near here today.
He said for those whose livestock had not been affected, they should take all precautions and communicate and seek advice from the Veterinary Services Office in their respective area.
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 aged 18 years old and above to become members. Then our support base will be greatly enhanced," he said.
He also said all grassroots leaders should not shy away from giving feedback to their elected representatives on the people's expectations for development programmes and welfare assistance.
"We need these feedback to present to the state leaders. The government is now prioritising income generating activities for rural folks through agricultural activities."
"We also have programmes to assist those seeking welfare assistance," he added.
Uggah also thanked the voters of Bukit Saban constituency for giving him their strong support in the 12th Sarawak election held in December last year.
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 as they know who could really help and guide them to a better future.
