Kuching, Sarawak, 25th November 2025 – The Sarawak Biodiversity Council and the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) have entered a strategic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Collaborative Development of Natural Anthelmintic Products for Livestock. The ceremony was held at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly this morning.
The MoU exchange took place between Datu Haji Adana bin Haji Jed, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development and Deputy Chairman of the Sarawak Biodiversity Council, and Datu Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud, Director of the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak.
The event was witnessed by YB Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), and YB Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD).
The collaboration aims to advance the research, development, and future commercialisation of a natural anthelmintic product derived from Sipudun (Picria fel-terrae) for usage in small ruminants affected by parasitic infections.
Through its Traditional Knowledge Documentation Programme, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) recorded the Bidayuh community's use of Sipudun for treating high blood pressure and deworming. Initial research by SBC validated the plant’s efficacy as a deworming agent in livestock. SBC has been working alongside the community to supply the plant and ensure benefit sharing.
Under this partnership with DVS, SBC will carry out further laboratory research and product development activities, including bioassays, formulation optimisation, stability studies, and preparation for regulatory requirements. DVS will conduct field applications through controlled animal trials, veterinary evaluation, and on-site performance assessments.
This initiative contributes to Sarawak’s long-term goals of strengthening livestock resilience, enhancing food security, and expanding biodiversity-based innovation. It aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the National Agrofood Policy, and Malaysia’s broader efforts to promote sustainability, scientific advancement, and reduced reliance on imported synthetic anthelmintics. The project also offers opportunities for future indigenous community participation through structured cultivation and raw material supply networks.
SBC and DVS will also work collaboratively to validate product performance in real-farm settings, ensuring that the initiative can ultimately benefit livestock farmers, local communities, and the agrifood sector.
