Kuala lumpur: The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) continues to make strides by introducing various innovative products to ensure the country's veterinary services remain relevant and responsive to increasingly complex field challenges. DVS Veterinary Research Division director Dr. Rohana Abu Bakar highlighted that in-house innovations, developed based on actual needs, serve as a crucial foundation for reforming the national veterinary sector while fostering a culture of innovation within the department.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Rohana emphasized that the innovations produced by DVS personnel are solutions to problems they have previously encountered. They conducted studies and several tests before turning them into actual products or innovations. The responsibility of improving service effectiveness is emphasized when field officers, from the lower ranks to the top, collaborate to solve issues through product innovation.
Speaking to Bernama after attending the Closing Ceremony of DVS Innovation Day 2025, officiated by Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) Deputy Secretary-General (Development) Datuk Badrul Hisham Mohd, Dr. Rohana cited the development of a livestock vaccine pouch bag last year as a key breakthrough. This innovation, designed to store vaccines at a stable temperature in open farm areas such as oil palm plantations, ensures vaccines are not damaged by heat exposure, thereby improving the effectiveness of animal vaccination. Developed by DVS Pahang, it is now being produced for other states, with orders received from several states, and the innovation has been registered as intellectual property.
Dr. Rohana expressed admiration for the growing number of participants, which has increased from just 15 years ago to 30 entries this year. This reflects a rising culture of innovation and a strong sense of camaraderie among DVS staff and players in the veterinary industry. She noted that DVS Innovation Day is not just a competition; it is a platform to recognize local expertise and the tireless efforts of field personnel. The majority of innovation presenters this year were support officers who confidently showcased their work.
With increasing participation, DVS is confident that this momentum will continue, strengthening the department and positioning innovation as a core pillar in developing a sustainable and competitive national livestock industry. Earlier, DVS Director-General Dr. Akma Ngah Hamid noted that in a fast-paced, tech-driven era, innovation is an urgent necessity to ensure organizations remain relevant, agile, and competitive. She emphasized that if a work process does not undergo change and merely follows routine over an extended period, service quality will stagnate, and productivity will decline. Innovation reflects the ability to think beyond the norm and translate an idea into a sustainable and impactful solution.
DVS Innovation Day featured six categories: services, digitalization, technology, product, livestock production, and best presentation. DVS Terengganu emerged as the overall state champion, while the 'Karung Kucing 4.0' (Cat Sack 4.0) product by DVS Pahang won first place in the services category.