Sarawak pushes for agricultural modernisation to become net food exporter by 2030
Dr Abdul Rahman (sixth right) receives a memento from Tang, as others look on.
SIBU (May 10): Sarawak is intensifying efforts to modernise its agriculture sector with the goal of becoming a net food exporter by 2030.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the state's agricultural transformation is no longer an option, but a necessity and an opportunity to strengthen food security, while creating new economic wealth.
'Sarawak is investing heavily in agro-technology to boost productivity, sustainability, and market competitiveness,' he said in a speech delivered by his deputy Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail at the opening of the 2025 National Farmers Conference here today.
Among the key initiatives introduced were the development of modern agro-parks, aquaculture parks, the Sarawak Agrotechnology Park (SARTECH), and Precision Farming Parks.
According to Dr Rundi, the state government is also enhancing food value chains through the Collection, Processing and Packaging Centres (CPPC) and Agrofood Terminals.
'Traditional farming practices such as 'kais pagi makan pagi' (hand-to-mouth farming) must be left behind. Agriculture today is a business, not just subsistence,' he said.
The minister also stressed the need to leverage technology such as mechanisation, automation, smart farming, Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics.
He said innovation must happen at every level, from farm to table to increase output, reduce wastage, and ensure sustainability.
'For the record, Sarawak recorded a food trade deficit of RM6.44 billion, importing RM7.62 billion worth of food while exporting only RM1.18 billion in 2024,' he said, adding that reducing this dependency on imports is a top priority.
Dr Rundi called on young entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to venture into agriculture, noting that the sector is no longer seen as 'dirty, difficult, and dangerous' (3D) but instead offers lucrative opportunities.
'Through strategic government-private sector collaboration and by strengthening initiatives like local seed production and biosecurity measures, Sarawak can position itself as a key food producer regionally and internationally,' he added.
The 2025 National Farmers Conference, held for the first time in Sarawak, attracted around 700 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Among those present were Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh; Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek; Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Joshua Ting Fu Ying; Federation of Vegetable Growers Associations national president Lim Ser Kwee; Sibu Vegetable Farmers Association president Tieu Kiu Sing; and the event's organising chairman Tang Liung Poh. agriculture net food exporter Stephen Rundi Utom
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
21 hours ago
- Daily Express
Benny is new Acem Sabah head
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 Text Size: The new line-up posing for a photo. Kota Kinabalu: Benny Song was elected new Chairman of Malaysia Association of Consulting Engineers (Acem Sabah) succeeding Datuk Chin Shu Ying. The new committee includes Wah Kheng Haw as Deputy Chairman and Datuk Dr Amarjit Singh as Honorary Secretary. Advertisement The new leadership team also includes seasoned professionals from various engineering disciplines such as Kenny Lo (Honorary Treasurer), while the executive committee comprises Tang Koh Yon, Mohd. Arzahri AR, Hiew Vun Heng, Silvia Voon and James Leong. In his farewell address, Chin spoke about the consulting engineering sector, identifying eight major issues threatening the profession's future. 'Consulting engineers play an important role in shaping Malaysia's infrastructure, economy and future. 'However, we face unprecedented challenges that require immediate attention,' he said. The most pressing concern, according to Chin, is fee undercutting that undermines professional standards. Advertisement 'Unfair competition is eroding the integrity and quality of our work,' he said. The industry is also grappling with a talent crisis, as experienced engineers leave for better opportunities abroad while universities struggle to produce job-ready graduates. This brain drain coincides with bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay project approvals and increase costs. Rising legal liability represents another significant challenge, with engineers facing increasingly unfavourable contract terms. Chin advocated for mandatory professional indemnity insurance and fairer agreements between consultants and clients. The sector's slow adoption of modern technology also emerged as a key concern. 'We must embrace artificial intelligence, Building Information Modeling, Internet of Things and other digital tools to remain competitive,' he said. Environmental pressures are mounting as well, with engineers expected to lead Malaysia's transition toward sustainable development and carbon reduction while addressing climate change impacts. Perhaps most critically, Chin said was the profession's limited influence in national policymaking despite engineers' crucial role in development planning. He called for greater representation in government decision-making processes. 'We suffer from fragmentation and lack of collaboration,' he said, urging stronger partnerships between firms and enhanced knowledge-sharing across the industry. He challenged his successors and the broader engineering community to unite in upholding the dignity of the profession, champion value-based practices, mentor the next generation and embrace innovation. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Free Malaysia Today
a day ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Change farming narrative, young agro-entrepreneur tells govt
The government must roll out targeted measures for young farmers, including grants, low-interest loans and land leasing schemes to overcome the high entry costs, says Sabah-based farmer Shahrizal Denci. PETALING JAYA : An agro-entrepreneur has called on the government to change the narrative on farming in Malaysia, warning that outdated perceptions are driving the agriculture sector into decline. Sabah-based Shahrizal Denci, 43, said the prevailing image of farming as a physically punishing and low-status vocation has deterred young Malaysians from entering the field. The Bantu Tani Sdn Bhd director said farming should be rebranded as a knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven industry to change the narrative surrounding the agriculture sector. 'We cannot keep treating farmers like labourers. Farmers must be recognised as entrepreneurs and professionals,' he told FMT. Shahrizal Denci. Shahrizal, who has an 8ha farm in Kundasang cultivating more than 20 types of vegetables, said a younger generation of farmers can be enticed by the availability of technological advancements. Speaking from experience, the Sabahan said he has sought to present farming as a modern and 'sexy' job, by weaving in innovation and technology. However, he said, the real transformation lays in cultivating entrepreneurial and managerial thinking, especially among younger farmers. 'You must go into it as a business, not as a fallback plan,' said Shahrizal, who quit as a software engineer to return to his hometown and go into agriculture in 2011. Clear pathway to profits a sure attraction Alvin Loke, 42, a farmer in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, believes many young Malaysians would be open to entering the field if they see a structured pathway that offers financial stability, growth and respect. Alvin Loke. 'People want opportunities that offer financial independence, growth and respect. Farming can provide all of these, but only if it's structured properly,' he said. Loke said there were several barriers that newcomers to the industry would have to face, from the social stigma to long hours, and the uncomfortable nature of the job. The sector itself is highly volatile due to fluctuating input costs and a lack of long-term government support. 'Unstable prices of pesticides, fertilisers, and labour make it hard to plan and grow a business,' he said. However, after seven years in the industry, he said, it was possible to make money as a farmer, suggesting that the government look at certain measures to improve their income. 'I don't support cash handouts, but the government could provide more long-term subsidies and reduce the role of middlemen,' he said, adding that it was important to stabilise the sector's labour market and input costs to make it more viable and attractive. On May 29, the government released an interim report on the 2024 agriculture census, which showed that 45.4% of individual agricultural operators were aged 60 and above; only 22.2% were aged between 15 and 45, while 32.3% comprised those aged 46 to 59. In launching the report, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said this posed a serious challenge to Malaysia's agriculture sector as it affected productivity and the ability to sustain domestic food production. Chai Kok Lim. Cameron Highlands Vegetable Farmers Organisation president Chai Kok Lim said some of his group's members were in their 70s but still farm daily, as their children have shown no interest in taking over. Although two of his sons have taken up the family business, Chai expressed concern over the nationwide situation, saying: 'The work is tough, and the income is not stable. It's hard to convince young people to take it up.' Both Loke and Shahrizal stressed the importance of a younger batch of farmers being brought into the sector to ensure Malaysia's food security. Shahrizal pointed out that Malaysia imported nearly all of its shallots from India, which opened up the country to the risk of short supply or high prices from geopolitical tensions. Loke said government aid for farmers must reach recipients consistently and not be doled out only during an election. He also said the high costs of acquiring agricultural land and starting a farm were major deterrents, especially when returns were uncertain in the first few years. Shahrizal suggested the government roll out targeted measures for young farmers, including grants, low-interest loans and land leasing schemes to overcome the high entry costs. He also called for training and mentorship programmes to help young farmers learn the ropes quickly and breed success.
Focus Malaysia
3 days ago
- Focus Malaysia
Highway operators must invest in smart tech and R&D
AS Malaysians embarked on their annual Hari Raya journey back to their hometowns in early April, the nation witnessed an all-too-familiar scene—heavy congestion on major highways. Social media platforms were flooded with images and stories of gridlocked traffic, restless children, and long queues at rest stops. While these stories have become a routine part of festive seasons, they highlight a deeper issue: the increasing inadequacy of our highway infrastructure and traffic management systems to cope with rising vehicle numbers. According to the Transport Ministry, Malaysia had 36.3 million registered motor vehicles as of Oct 2023. The Malaysian Automotive Association further reported over 816,000 new vehicle registrations in 2024. This exponential growth has placed immense pressure on our road networks, particularly during peak seasons. The Malaysian Highway Authority estimated that during the Hari Raya peak period, approximately 2.77 million vehicles used the highway network each day—a staggering number by any measure. A need for more than just extra lanes Among the many toll highway operators in Malaysia, PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) is the largest and one of the most established in Southeast Asia. It manages the North-South Expressway, ELITE, the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, and both Penang bridges. It also owns TERAS Teknologi, the developer of the Touch 'n Go and SmartTAG systems. Despite its vast experience and high toll revenue, PLUS—and highway operators more broadly—have not introduced many innovative traffic solutions in recent years. The most visible initiative has been the introduction of 'Smart Lanes', which allow the temporary use of emergency lanes during traffic peaks. However, the use of the term 'Smart Lane' in Malaysia may be misleading. In developed nations, smart lane systems involve sophisticated traffic management technologies—variable speed limits, lane automation, and sensor-driven lane allocation. These systems dynamically adapt in real-time to changing traffic conditions. Malaysia's version, by contrast, is rudimentary. It involves opening the emergency lane for limited periods using flashing lights and signage with no smart technology integration. This often leads to confusion among drivers, bottlenecks when the lane ends, and potential delays for emergency services. A call for investment in real smart systems Highway operators need to move beyond short-term solutions and invest meaningfully in physical assets, rapid-response capabilities, and research and development (R&D). One area that needs immediate attention is incident management. Congestion is frequently caused by delays in clearing accidents or breakdowns. Setting up rapid-response teams equipped with motorcycles and emergency equipment can significantly reduce recovery time. Additionally, intelligent transport systems (ITS), artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) applications should be adopted more widely. With the right infrastructure, it is possible to monitor traffic patterns, detect incidents instantly, and manage lane usage in real-time. Such systems are already in use in many developed nations. Highway operators should also work closely with local research institutions and universities to develop and implement smart traffic solutions tailored to Malaysian conditions. Rethinking rest areas Another aspect often overlooked is the condition of rest and service areas (R&Rs). During peak travel seasons, these facilities are overwhelmed. Long queues at restrooms, insufficient parking, and limited food options frustrate users. More temporary or mobile toilets should be made available during festivals, and facilities must be maintained to high standards to ensure a pleasant travel experience. Toward seamless highway travel Ultimately, the future of highway travel in Malaysia must rest on a more holistic, user-centred approach. It is no longer sufficient to rely on toll collections and physical expansions of the road network. Operators must embrace innovation and technology. With the right investment in infrastructure, data analytics, and human capital, it is possible to ease congestion, improve safety, and offer road users a significantly more comfortable and efficient travel experience. Highway operators have a responsibility—and an opportunity—to make that vision a reality. ‒ June 4, 2025 Omar Yaakob is an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: NST
