Latest news with #FoodIndustry
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Rundi: Sarawak's agricultural future lies in tech adoption, export drive
Dr Rundi speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Sungai Sebiew Precision Farming Park today. BINTULU (July 28): Sarawak is accelerating its drive to become a net food exporter through the integration of smart farming and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, with the Sungai Sebiew Precision Farming Park set to become a model for sustainable, technology-driven agriculture in the state. Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the 13-hectare site will focus on high-quality production using modern precision farming methods instead of traditional practices. 'It's not about the size of the land, but the quality of the products. With smart farming using IoT, we can increase productivity, improve efficiency and ensure sustainability,' he said during a press conference after officiating the groundbreaking ceremony for the precision farming park today. The project, which has been in planning since 2022, has now been awarded to a contractor who has already begun site-clearing works. Dr Rundi, who is the Sarawak Land Development Board (SLDB) chairman, said lessons learned from previous pilot projects such as in Rampangi would be improved and applied in Sungai Sebiew. He acknowledged the challenges of attracting youth to agriculture, which is often viewed as a physically demanding and unappealing sector. 'We can no longer rely on muscle and sweat. Most of our current farmers are ageing, and young people are reluctant to work under the sun. But agriculture today is no longer the 3Ds – dangerous, difficult and dirty. It's digital,' he said. He added with IoT, farming can be done remotely, allowing people to monitor their farms from home. Dr Rundi stressed that this is the kind of modern approach that the government wants local agropreneurs to adopt. He emphasised the importance of understanding the objective of technological adoption among farmers. 'Farmers must understand why we are doing this and what the technology is for. It's not about forcing them, we want them to take the initiative, because only then will they commit to making it sustainable,' he said. He said the state's long-term agricultural strategy is moving away from subsistence and shifting cultivation to commercialisation, agro-tourism, and value-added activities to boost income. He also highlighted Sarawak's recent success in exporting live pigs to Peninsular Malaysia. 'Just a few days ago, we sent our first shipment of 800 live pigs to Selangor, valued at about RM1.38 million. One pig is worth roughly RM1,700,' he said. He said Sarawak is also exporting to Singapore and receiving inquiries from Johor and Penang for livestock and aquaculture products such as poultry, fish, and shrimp. 'The potential is huge. We want Sarawak to be a hub for net food exports. But this can only happen if we are willing to adopt and adapt to new technologies,' he said. Drawing a comparison, Dr Rundi pointed to Taiwan as an inspiring model. 'Taiwan is much smaller than Sarawak and has 75 per cent mountainous terrain, yet they are a net food exporter. If they can do it, so can we. But we must be willing to learn, adapt, and innovate,' he said. Dr Rundi also noted the urgency of reducing Sarawak's food import-export deficit, which was RM5.6 billion in 2022, and remains substantial. 'We import too much, animal feed, raw materials these are areas where we must cut dependency. That's why the agriculture sector needs to evolve and improve to generate better revenue for Sarawak,' he stressed. He called for a collaborative approach between researchers, policymakers, and farmers to continuously innovate and strengthen Sarawak's agricultural resilience. The Sungai Sebiew Precision Farming Park is expected to become a catalyst for future smart agriculture developments across Sarawak, tailored to the topography, land suitability, and community capabilities in each region. 'This is the way forward if we want to secure our future and realise Sarawak's dream of becoming a net food exporter,' said Dr Rundi. First conceptualised and announced in 2022, the Sungai Sebiew Precision Farming Park represents SLDB's commitment to bridging the gap between traditional agriculture and modern agri-tech. Following thorough planning, inter-agency coordination, and regulatory compliance, the project now officially enters the implementation phase. The site will be developed into a smart agricultural hub equipped with 11 units of IoT-enabled greenhouses, a nursery and seedling propagation area, post-harvest preparation and handling zones, and an IoT command centre to monitor and manage real-time farm operations. The project will be developed over a period of 18 months, and once completed, will be operated by a private investor under a Public-Private Partnership model. The operator will also offer training, technology transfer, and contract farming opportunities to local participants, making this a community-integrated agricultural platform. This initiative directly supports Sarawak's agenda for smart farming adoption, youth agropreneurship development and economic empowerment of rural communities. Dr Stephen Rundi Utom lead precision farming
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sebauh poised for transformation after completion of bridge, says Kemena rep
Dr Rundi gestures while speaking to the media. SEBAUH (July 27): The Sebauh area may undergo a major transformation especially after the Sebauh Bridge is completed, said Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Kemena assemblyman said the bridge, which is nearing completion, would become a key game-changer in transforming the mobility and landscape of the area. 'We are also planning a new township on the opposite bank of the river,' he told reporters today after flagging off the Sebauh Powerboat Race 2025, which also marked the final day of Pesta Sebauh 2025. Dr Rundi noted that once the new road from Sepadok to Bintulu is completed, travel time would be significantly shortened—making it more convenient for people to live in Sebauh while working or studying in Bintulu. 'It only takes 30 minutes now to drive from Bintulu to Sebauh. With better infrastructure, more people may choose to reside here. We are not just looking at Bintulu anymore—development must also spread to Sebauh and Tatau,' he said. He urged the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) to prioritise development planning for Sebauh and nearby areas, and proposed building new roads to underserved rural communities such as Ulu Pandan, Jelalong and Tubau. 'With all these plans in motion, the current Sebauh Bazaar will become congested in the near future. We must give it a facelift and upgrade its facilities,' he said. He also suggested turning the weekend market into a permanent agro-tourism attraction showcasing local seafood and agricultural products. 'This town shouldn't just be vibrant during Pesta Sebauh. We should promote it as a regular weekend destination. We want people to come not because we invite them, but because the location itself is a draw,' he said, calling on local authorities to think about how to attract and retain crowds beyond festivals and events. Dr Rundi said the final stitching ceremony of the Sebauh Bridge was soon, and the bridge was expected to open before Christmas this year. He said once operational, residents will no longer need to rely on ferries to cross Batang Kemena. 'In the meantime, I urge ferry services to be extended to Labang, while waiting for the Labang Bridge to be completed. This will ease mobility for rural residents who travel to Sebauh for daily needs,' he said. He also reminded local residents to protect their native customary rights (NCR) lands amid rapid development and rising land value. 'Don't be tempted to sell. Once you give up your rights, you'll never get them back. As Sebauh grows, investors will come like ants to sugar,' he said. Meanwhile, Dr Rundi expressed his joy at seeing such a big turnout for the festival this year. 'Hopefully next year we will celebrate at a brand-new waterfront, with a beautiful design that has already been approved by the Sarawak Cabinet. With the new waterfront, the environment will be more comfortable for visitors,' he said. The 'Adong Belalai 777' boat crosses the finish line to clinch victory in the 5HP race category. The event drew large crowds to the riverside festivities, which included a health run, big bike unity ride, powerboat race, 'bermukun' performances, and a 'Battle of the Bands'. Addressing the postponement of this year's Sebauh regatta event, Dr Rundi acknowledged the challenges faced by the organisers and pledged better planning next year. 'We want to make the next edition more exciting and on a larger scale. The vision is to bring together various programmes into a single, grand celebration,' he said. He also invited the public to attend the upcoming Bintulu AgroFest from August 23-31. 'The calendar is packed with events—Malaysia Day on Sept 16, the Bintulu Kite Festival on Sept 17…there's something for everyone,' he added. Dr Stephen Rundi Utom economic transformation sebauh Sebauh bridge
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Milestone for Sarawak's livestock sector as 800 live pigs shipped to Selangor
Dr Rundi (sixth left) leads the ribbon cutting to officially launch of the shipment. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 25): Sarawak's livestock export industry achieved another milestone here today with the official shipment of 800 live pigs to Selangor. Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom described the occasion as a significant step in the state's journey towards becoming a net food exporter by 2030. 'Today we are witnessing 800 heads of pig all the way to Selangor. This event is indeed very significant. In fact, it is a historic moment that we have to share not only with Sarawakians, but also with Malaysians and the world – that we are now able to export live pigs. 'And in the future, perhaps poultry and more. This has been a dream for us. Becoming a net food exporter by 2030 is a gigantic task, but nonetheless, we are making it happen. 'Once people see that it can be done, they get motivated. And once they believe it's possible, the rest is just history,' he told reporters at the official loading ceremony at Pending Port. The shipment is expected to arrive in Klang within 60 hours or approximately two and a half days. Dr Rundi said this first shipment to Peninsular Malaysia would not be the last. 'In the future, there will be bigger shipments and consignment containers that we send to Selangor. They can have the abattoir in Selangor and the meat can be distributed all throughout West Malaysia. And also the plan is to send directly to Penang and Johor,' he said. The pigs were supplied by Green Breeder Sdn Bhd, a Sarawak-based company led by Dr Ng Siew Thiam and his family, who currently export approximately 2,000 pigs weekly to Singapore. Dr Rundi commended the company's efforts and biosecurity standards, noting their success in maintaining exports even during the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak that impacted many other regions. 'Sarawak has been fortunate to remain an exporter of live pigs to Singapore, and now, other Asean countries may also be looking at us in the same light. 'Sarawak is free from foot and mouth disease (FMD) and that gives us a real advantage and leverage in attracting investors and encouraging more livestock farming activities here in the state,' he explained. Dr Rundi pointed out Sarawak first began exporting live pigs to Singapore in 2017, starting with a farm in Simunjan. He said the initial goal was to involve smallholder farmers, but biosecurity and technological requirements proved challenging. 'Not many could survive under such tight protocols, so we had to move from subsistence farming to high tech. Dr Ng told me they are going all the way with high-tech systems and biosecurity. That's why they can survive,' he said. To support the livestock sector's growth, Dr Rundi said the state will establish a new School of Veterinary Medicine in Semenggok through a collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak, formerly known as UPM Bintulu Campus. 'At the moment, we are lacking veterinarians. We need many more to manage and support the livestock industry. 'When we visited Brazil, they had 4,000 vets looking after their cattle. Here, we have only 15 government vets handling everything, while the rest are private. So, it has to be comprehensive – we must plan everything properly so that we can realise the dream we have. 'With this initiative, we can plan more effectively for the future of the livestock and agricultural sectors in Sarawak. I see great potential for Sarawak to become an agricultural hub,' he added. On the issue of pork prices, Dr Rundi said the government is monitoring the situation, but market rates are ultimately driven by supply and demand. 'When you talk about business, it's supply and demand. What we need now is to increase the supply to help reduce the price. 'At the moment, the supply is limited, so prices go up. That's why everyone is craving for it and they have to pay for it. But if we can increase production and volume, we will have better control over supply and pricing,' he said. He explained that the government is taking steps to prevent prices from soaring too high. 'At the moment, the price is around RM32 per kg. In Sabah, it's RM45, and in West Malaysia, even more — over RM40 to RM45 in the Klang Valley. We are the cheapest now. We cannot complain — but still we complain,' he added. Among those present at the event were Deputy Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak director Datu Dr Adrian Susil, Kuching Port Authority general manager Robert Lau Hong Thiam, Sarawak Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat, and Green Breeder Sdn Bhd director Dr Ng Yong Han. Dr Stephen Rundi Utom livestock
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
e-Pineapple system to drive agro-digital shift
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak's Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Ministry launched the e-Pineapple System today to support more accurate and efficient decision-making. Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said Sarawak was ready to face the challenges of digital transformation in the agro-food sector, in line with the agenda of the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy. "We at the ministry is striving to introduce digitalisation in all aspects of the industry," he said, adding that with the use of big data and analytics, the ministry could make more accurate and efficient decisions, from farm management to pineapple product processing. He said researchers and educators played a very big role in providing the data and knowledge needed to ensure that every decision taken is based on the latest evidence and innovation. "With this system, project administration becomes more efficient — farmer and production data can be collected directly and project monitoring can be carried out more transparently and quickly. "This system will become the best example for other states." He said researchers, educators, planters, pineapple product entrepreneurs as well as companies had an important role in boosting the industry.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak sets pineapple goal
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak's Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Ministry aims to expand pineapple plantations to 20,000 hectares by 2030, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said today. He said about 2,199.43ha were planted with pineapples in the state. "The target is achievable because Sarawak is not only rich in fertile land but also has strong potential in the high-value agricultural sector such as pineapple cultivation. "Now, pineapple is no longer just a side crop, but is emerging as one of the drivers of the state's agricultural economy," he said at the meet-the-clients day organised by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) to mark the National Pineapple Day. The text of Rundi's speech was read by the ministry's permanent secretary, Datuk Sirai anak Daha. However, he said the target would not be achieved without continuous efforts from all parties, adding that modern technology, digitalisation, and modernisation of agricultural practices were the key factors in ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the pineapple industry — not only in the local market, but also globally. "Most importantly, good cooperation between the state government and LPNM as the representative of the federal government must be upheld." Rundi said through strategic cooperation between the state government and LPNM, various initiatives had been carried out, including the plantation incentive programme, farm infrastructure and the study on pineapple waste for bioeconomic use. He said this was in line with the government's direction in developing modern, smart and sustainable agriculture. He added more than RM23 million had been allocated by LPNM this year for planting materials, farm infrastructure and pineapple waste research. He said this was an opportunity for the people of Sarawak, especially young farmers who wanted to make farming their main career. The aid offered included the construction of a drainage system for better water control, a micro-irrigation system to ensure sufficient water for crops, the installation of fences for the safety of farm areas and the construction of farm roads to facilitate access and transportation of produce. Temporary product storage facilities to maintain the quality of the fruit before marketing was also available to farmers, he added. Over 200 participants attended the meet-the-clients day event here today. It was organised to boost the relationship between LPNM and smallholders, agro-entrepreneurs, training institutions and the public. LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri Salleh said the meet-the-clients day was an important platform to deliver the latest information, opportunities in the pineapple industry and channel assistance and incentives to eligible target groups. He said the programme aimed to boost public awareness about the potential of the pineapple industry in Sarawak. "This meet-the-clients day is a strategic initiative to strengthen relationships and cooperation between stakeholders in the pineapple industry from plantation operators, researchers, producers, manufacturers to exporters with LPNM as the agency fully responsible for safeguarding the interests of the national pineapple industry," he said. Participants included representatives of government agencies, pineapple entrepreneurs and those interested in cultivating the fruit. Among the events included a briefing on the main varieties such as MD2, Moris and Sarawak Gold 1, as well as plant care guidelines according to good agricultural practices. LPNM also provided exposure on pineapple farm management technology as well as information on the agricultural input assistance and pineapple entrepreneur schemes.
