Latest news with #FoodIndustry
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Pineapple A New Driver Of Sarawak's Agricultural Economy
KUCHING, July 24 (Bernama) -- Pineapple is no longer just a secondary crop but has emerged as one of the drivers of agricultural economic growth in Sarawak, said Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. He said Sarawak is not only blessed with fertile land but also holds great potential in high-value agriculture such as pineapple cultivation. "Through strategic cooperation between the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) and the state government, various key initiatives have been implemented, including crop incentive programmes, farm infrastructure, and research into pineapple waste for bioeconomy use. 'This is in line with the government's direction to advance modern, smart and sustainable agriculture,' he said in his speech for the launch of the LPNM Sarawak 2025 Customer Day and Project Assistance Presentation Ceremony here today. His speech was read out by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD), Sirai Daha. Dr Rundi said that based on last year's data, the total pineapple cultivation area in Malaysia was 18,135 hectares, and it is not impossible for this figure to increase by 2030, with Sarawak targeting to expand its pineapple plantations to 20,000 hectares by then. He said this achievement, however, would not be possible without the continuous efforts of all parties, with modern technology, digitalisation, and the modernisation of farming practices being key to ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the pineapple industry. 'Not only in the domestic market but also internationally, and most importantly, is the strong cooperation between the state government and LPNM,' he said, adding that it is not impossible for Sarawak to emerge as the country's main pineapple producer. At the event, the e-Pineapple system was also launched, making Sarawak the first state to pioneer its implementation — proving the state's readiness to face the challenges of digital transformation in the agri-food sector, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy agenda.
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Rundi: Dedicated pineapple processing plant to be established in Miri
Sirai (standing, centre) and Mohd Khairuzamri on his right in a group photo with LPNM Sarawak representatives and recipients of the 2025 project incentive grants at the event. – Photo by Chimon Upon 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.
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak leads digital transformation with e-Pineapple system
Sirai officiates the launch of the e-Pineapple System at the event on behalf of Dr Rundi, witnessed by other distinguished guests. – Photo by Chimon Upon KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 24): Sarawak has become the first state in Malaysia to pioneer the implementation of the e-Pineapple system, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the national pineapple industry. Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the launch of the e-Pineapple system demonstrates Sarawak's readiness to embrace digitalisation in agrofood. 'Today also marks a significant milestone with the launch of the e-Pineapple System, with Sarawak becoming the first state to pioneer its implementation. 'This proves that Sarawak is ready to face the challenges of digital transformation in the agri-food sector, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy agenda,' he said in his speech at the Program Hari Bertemu Pelanggan & Penyampaian Bantuan Insentif Projek of the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Sarawak 2025, held at the State Farmers' Organisation hall here today. Dr Rundi's speech was delivered by his ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sirai Daha. According to Dr Rundi, the e-Pineapple system will significantly improve project administration, streamline data collection on farmers and crop production, and enhance transparency and efficiency in project monitoring. 'I believe this system will be a model for other states,' he added. He also noted that the ministry is committed to advancing digitalisation across all aspects of the pineapple industry, including farm management and product processing, through the adoption of big data and analytics. 'With the use of big data and analytics, more accurate and efficient decisions can be made—from farm management to processing. 'Researchers and educators play a major role in supplying the data and knowledge required to ensure every decision is backed by evidence and the latest innovations,' he said. Dr Rundi said Sarawak is set to contribute 20,000 hectares of cultivated land toward the national target of 30,000 hectares under the LPNM by 2030. 'With Malaysia's total pineapple cultivation at 18,135 hectares in 2024, we believe this target is achievable,' he said. He pointed out that the pineapple industry in Sarawak is growing rapidly and is no longer a secondary crop but an emerging driver of the state's agricultural economy. 'Sarawak is not only rich in fertile land but also possesses extraordinary potential in high-value agriculture, such as pineapples. 'Through strategic collaboration between LPNM and the state government, we have seen various key initiatives implemented, including the Crop Incentive Programme, Farm Infrastructure Development, and Pineapple Waste Studies for bioeconomy purposes. This is in line with the government's direction in advancing modern, smart, and sustainable agriculture,' he said. Dr Rundi revealed that over RM23 million has been allocated by LPNM this year to support pineapple-related development in Sarawak. 'This is a major commitment that should be fully utilised by the people of Sarawak, especially young farmers who want to pursue agriculture as their primary career,' he said. Among the support provided are drainage systems for improved water control, fencing for farm security, farm road construction to ease transport, and temporary storage facilities to maintain fruit quality. In areas where needed, micro-irrigation systems are also provided. 'In line with modern agriculture, LPNM has introduced the installation of solar lights under the Night Farming Programme to help maximise productivity and improve operations for pineapple farmers in Sarawak,' he added. He also revealed that efforts are underway to establish a pineapple processing plant in Miri. 'This factory will not only serve as a catalyst for transforming the pineapple industry landscape in Sarawak, but it will also complete the industry 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 added. 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.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Second Sg Limbang Bridge project progressing smoothly, to complete by June 2026, says Awang Tengah
Awang Tengah (fifth right) and others in a photocall at the Second Sungai Limbang Bridge project site on Monday. LIMBANG (July 23): Construction of the Second Sungai Limbang Bridge is progressing well and is expected to be completed by June 2026, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. He said the RM188 million project, which previously suffered significant delays under former contractors, was handed over to a new contractor in 2023 and has since shown steady progress in line with the revised schedule. 'We can now see excellent and smooth progress,' Awang Tengah told reporters during the project site visit on Monday, adding that the new contractor had assured that they would complete the project on schedule. Describing the bridge as a vital infrastructure development, Awang Tengah said it will provide an additional route connecting Limbang to Brunei Darussalam, significantly enhancing the region's transport network. 'This is one of our efforts to further improve our road system,' said Awang Tengah, noting that local residents are eagerly awaiting its completion for better cross-border connectivity and as a catalyst for economic growth in areas across the river. In another development, he revealed that construction of the Limbang Integrated Administrative Complex (IAC) has reached 67 per cent completion and is on track to be fully completed by May 2026. The IAC will serve as a new landmark in Limbang, housing state government departments and agencies currently operating out of Limbang Plaza. Joining Awang Tengah during the visit were Deputy State Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Sarawak, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; Limbang Resident Unus Tambi; Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier, Awangku Jinal Abedin Dato Pengiran Jawa; and Limbang Division Engineer Mahathir Jokeni.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
We Like These Underlying Return On Capital Trends At Tonkens Agrar (ETR:GTK)
What are the early trends we should look for to identify a stock that could multiply in value over the long term? Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. Speaking of which, we noticed some great changes in Tonkens Agrar's (ETR:GTK) returns on capital, so let's have a look. We've found 21 US stocks that are forecast to pay a dividend yield of over 6% next year. See the full list for free. Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE) For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on Tonkens Agrar is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) ÷ (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.042 = €1.6m ÷ (€40m - €2.3m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2024). Therefore, Tonkens Agrar has an ROCE of 4.2%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Food industry average of 9.6%. View our latest analysis for Tonkens Agrar While the past is not representative of the future, it can be helpful to know how a company has performed historically, which is why we have this chart above. If you'd like to look at how Tonkens Agrar has performed in the past in other metrics, you can view this free graph of Tonkens Agrar's past earnings, revenue and cash flow. The Trend Of ROCE Even though ROCE is still low in absolute terms, it's good to see it's heading in the right direction. More specifically, while the company has kept capital employed relatively flat over the last five years, the ROCE has climbed 60% in that same time. So it's likely that the business is now reaping the full benefits of its past investments, since the capital employed hasn't changed considerably. It's worth looking deeper into this though because while it's great that the business is more efficient, it might also mean that going forward the areas to invest internally for the organic growth are lacking. The Bottom Line To sum it up, Tonkens Agrar is collecting higher returns from the same amount of capital, and that's impressive. And investors seem to expect more of this going forward, since the stock has rewarded shareholders with a 67% return over the last five years. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if Tonkens Agrar can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead. If you'd like to know more about Tonkens Agrar, we've spotted 3 warning signs, and 1 of them is a bit concerning. If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
