Dr Rundi: Open data, information-based strategies crucial for Sarawak agriculture growth:

Borneo Post

09-07-2025

Dr Rundi (centre) places his palm on the launching gimmick device while Martin (second left), Mohd Uzir (second right) and others look on. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (July 9): A more open data ecosystem and information-based strategies are crucial to driving the growth of Sarawak's agriculture sector in Sarawak, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
The Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) plays a vital role in providing accurate and high-quality data that enables the government to identify high-potential crops, better target farmer groups in need of assistance, and prioritise key agricultural areas.
'I was informed that DOSM is currently studying our topography in Sarawak. For example, in areas like Ulu Baram, certain crops may be more suitable, whereas in other lowland areas, different crops may be better suited.
'With collaboration from all relevant agencies, we can empower Sarawak's agriculture sector to be more sustainable, productive, and competitive,' he said when officiating the Sarawak-level Agriculture Census Interim Report 2024 at a leading hotel here today.
Dr Rundi said detailed information such as the number of farmers growing a particular crop in a given area is essential as it helps the government better target specific groups and avoid wastage in aid distribution.
'When we have the right data, we can allocate resources more efficiently, tailor incentives accordingly, and prevent resource wastage.
'This includes knowing what crops are being grown, who's growing them, and what kind of yields can be expected,' he explained.
He also urged for greater use of digital platforms like the Integrated Agricultural Statistical System (TaniStats) and e-Tani, which collect agricultural data, to be fully utilised so that the government can formulate policies and incentives based on actual on-the-ground conditions.
At the same time, Dr Rundi stressed the importance of protecting farmers from unsustainable losses, citing successful models in countries like Japan and Vietnam, which have successfully developed their agriculture sectors.
'If a farmer grows paddy and the yield is not worth the effort, they will become discouraged.
'So, we must help them through suitable incentives and price guarantees,' he said.
He also called on agricultural officers to be more proactive and adopt a more consultative approach to engage with farmers before implementing any policies or aid programmes.
'Instead of telling them what to do, ask them what they want to do, what resources they have and what their plans are.
'Once we understand what they want to do, only then we can step in to facilitate and empower their efforts more effectively,' he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Martin Ben and DOSM chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, who is also the 2024 Agriculture Census commissioner.