Dr Rundi: Dedicated pineapple processing plant to be established in Miri
KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 24): A dedicated pineapple processing plant will be established in Miri as part of Sarawak's long-term strategy to strengthen its position in the national and global pineapple industry, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
The Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said the plant will be a key component in completing the state's pineapple industry ecosystem.
'Intensive efforts are being made to realise the establishment of a pineapple processing plant in Miri. This plant will not only act as a catalyst for transforming the landscape of the pineapple industry in Sarawak but will also complete the industry's ecosystem by providing market assurance to producers.
'This is a symbol of our commitment to building a pineapple industry in Sarawak that is not only more modern and competitive, but also brings comprehensive benefits to the people and the state,' he said in his speech at the Program Bertemu Pelanggan & Penyampaian Bantuan Insentif Projek by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Sarawak, held at Dewan Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Sarawak here today.
Dr Rundi's speech was delivered by his ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sirai Daha.
Dr Rundi said the facility forms part of Sarawak's broader strategic direction under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which includes three major development packages: a Basic Incentive Package for smallholders, a Cluster Incentive Package for existing and new grower groups, and a Commercial Package targeting companies and commercial-scale producers.
'With this more inclusive policy framework, LPNM Sarawak is expected to receive a larger allocation under 13MP, paving the way for balanced development across the entire value chain—from cultivation and processing to marketing,' he said.
Sarawak has also set a target to develop 20,000 hectares of pineapple plantations by 2030—contributing two-thirds of LPNM's national target of 30,000 hectares.
'With Malaysia's total pineapple cultivation area recorded at 18,135 hectares in 2024, I believe that achieving higher figures by 2030 is not impossible,' he added.
He emphasised that success will depend on close collaboration among all stakeholders, especially between the Sarawak government and LPNM.
'Modern technology, digitalisation, and the transformation of farming practices are essential to sustaining and improving the competitiveness of our pineapple industry at both the national and international levels,' he said.
Dr Rundi also revealed that over RM23 million has been allocated by LPNM this year to support the industry in Sarawak through the provision of planting materials, farm infrastructure, and research into pineapple waste for bioeconomy use.
'This includes assistance such as drainage systems, fencing, farm roads, temporary storage facilities, and micro-irrigation systems. Solar lighting is also being introduced under the Night Farming Programme to extend working hours in the field and enhance productivity,' he said.
Earlier, he launched the e-Pineapple system, with Sarawak becoming the first state to implement the platform.
'This is a major step in embracing digital transformation within the agri-food sector and aligns with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy.
'The system enhances project administration, enables real-time collection of grower data, and allows for transparent and efficient monitoring. I believe it will serve as a model for other states,' he said.
He also urged all participants—including researchers, educators, growers, and entrepreneurs—to continue supporting national efforts in elevating the pineapple industry.
'Today, we are the second-largest pineapple-producing state in Malaysia. One day, we may become number one—and even a global leader,' he said.
The event also featured the presentation of project incentives to growers from Samarahan and Sibu divisions.
Also present at the event were LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M. Saleh, Beting Maro assemblyman Razali Gapor, Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, and LPNM Sarawak director Mohd Nazaiful Azdi Rahman.
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