KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Legislative Assembly today passed amendments to the Animals Enactment 2015 to strengthen the regulation of livestock farms and slaughterhouses, while updating provisions to reflect the state's current veterinary authority.
Tabling the Animals (Amendment) Bill 2026, Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the enactment serves as the state's principal legislation governing the prevention and control of animal diseases, protection of veterinary public health and regulation of related activities.
"Through this Enactment, the State Government is able to ensure that the veterinary regulatory system is implemented in an orderly and effective manner to safeguard animal health, veterinary public health, and support the development of the livestock industry in the state," he said.
Among the proposed amendments is the updating of the department's name in the law. The Animals Enactment 2015 still refers to the former Sabah Department of Animal Services and Livestock Industry, although the agency has officially been known as the Sabah Veterinary Services Department since 2018.
The Bill also introduces licensing requirements for livestock farms and slaughterhouses, as well as regulatory provisions governing the operation of such facilities.
During the debate, Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen (Warisan-Luyang) welcomed the amendments, describing them as a positive step towards improving food safety, strengthening consumer confidence and modernising Sabah's livestock industry.
However, he cautioned that tighter regulations should not lead to higher food prices.
"Therefore, this Bill should not only improve regulation but also increase local food production and strengthen Sabah's food security," he said.
Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau (Upko-Tamparuli) meanwhile highlighted longstanding concerns over water supply disruptions and river pollution linked to poultry and pig farming in Tamparuli.
He said there were more than 19 poultry farms operating in the constituency, in addition to pig farms with an estimated 50,000 animals.
"Residents of Tamparuli have for a long time been facing water supply disruptions linked to pollution of raw water sources, particularly involving Sungai Bawang and Sungai Mangkaladoi, which are important to the local community.
"Furthermore, the Telibong I Water Treatment Plant has experienced several operational disruptions due to high ammonia levels in raw water sources, affecting water supply to consumers," he said.
The Bill was subsequently passed by the state assembly.
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