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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.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: G-Dragon concert chaos: RM2.87mil scalping ring busted in Taiwan!
TAIPEI: Taiwanese authorities have dismantled a significant ticket scalping operation that illegally resold tickets for G-Dragon's recent concerts in Taipei, netting the ring an estimated NT$20 million (RM2.87 million) in illicit profits. According to reports from China Times and Liberty Times yesterday, Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau apprehended four suspects, including a man identified as Liu, for their involvement in illegally reselling tickets to G-Dragon's world tour, which took place at the Taipei Arena from July 11 to 13. A raid on the group's premises on July 15 uncovered substantial evidence: over 1,500 ticket serial codes, more than 1,000 physical tickets for the G-Dragon concerts, 500 BlackPink tickets for an upcoming October show in Kaohsiung, and NT$164,000 (RM23,557) in cash. Liu reportedly collaborated with a Hong Kong-based ticketing engineer who utilised hacking tools and ID-generating software to purchase large quantities of tickets. Liu allegedly paid a service fee of NT$2,000–3,000 (RM287–430) per ticket, which were then resold at grossly inflated prices. Tickets originally priced at NT$800 (RM115) were resold for as much as NT$9,800 (RM1,407). Even more shockingly, top-tier tickets, initially costing NT$8,980 (RM1,290), were flipped for an astonishing NT$55,000 (RM7,900). The scalpers operated from a hotel located near the venue, where they created fake IDs and hired staff to help buyers circumvent ID checks at the concert. Around 300 scalped tickets were reportedly used on July 11, leading to widespread outrage among fans and numerous complaints to the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs. Consequently, some buyers were denied entry and are now seeking refunds. This incident has reignited criticism of Taiwan's real-name ticketing system. A similar scandal occurred in March 2023 during BlackPink's tour, where tickets originally priced at NT$8,800 (RM1,264) were scalped for an exorbitant NT$400,000 (RM57,455). In response to such persistent abuses, Taiwan revised its Cultural and Creative Industries Development Act in 2023. Under the updated legislation, scalpers now face significant fines of up to 50 times the resold ticket price.
Borneo Post
6 days 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.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Cost-saving, eco-friendly solution
PHOTOVOLTAIC solar energy systems allow us to generate our own electricity, significantly reducing electricity bills — and in some cases, eliminating them. In Malaysia, a photovoltaic solar system with a capacity of around 5 kW can produce up to 600 kWh of electricity per month, which is enough to cover 70 per cent to 100 per cent of a typical household's electricity needs. Once seen as a luxury only accessible to the wealthy, solar panels are now gaining traction among homeowners as a modern, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution. For Saiful Nizam Abu Bakar, 44, the switch to solar energy began in August last year after years of paying around RM700 monthly for electricity to support a household of seven. Saiful said he received a RM4,000 rebate through a solar incentive scheme at the time and paid only RM23,000 to install 14 solar panels on his roof. "Although I have to pay RM300 in monthly instalments for five years (to finance the solar system), after that I no longer have to worry about electricity bills. My bill used to be RM700 a month — now it's just RM40," he said. Beyond rebates through solar incentive schemes, financing options from local banks help ease the initial cost of installing photovoltaic systems. Gan Yong Li, 38, said that the option to pay in instalments has made solar energy more appealing to the public. Like Saiful, he received a RM4,000 rebate and installed 10 panels on his home. "My electricity bill used to be nearly RM400 a month. Since installing solar panels, it has dropped to just about RM10 a month," he said. "Sometimes it goes over RM100 when I charge the car more often, but it's usually below RM100," he said. For Gan, one interesting aspect is that the maintenance cost of solar panels is minimal. They need to be cleaned only occasionally, and usually, the rain will wash away most of the dirt. SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION Meanwhile, senior lecturer and energy manager at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Dr Wan Khairul Muzammil Abd Rahim, described solar energy as a smart choice, capable of reducing electricity bills by more than 90 per cent. "Financing options like solar leasing and zero upfront cost models make solar power more accessible," he said. He said solar technology costs in Malaysia have dropped by 30 per cent to 50 per cent over the past five years, thanks to advancements and increased competition. "Generating your own electricity also shields you from inflation. It's a proactive investment for an uncertain future," he added. More importantly, solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels like coal, thereby lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality. This shift aligns with Malaysia's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in response to global climate change. | With rapid technological advancements, growing climate awareness, and rising living costs, solar energy is proving to be a highly worthwhile long-term investment. Supported by government incentives, substantial cost savings, and easy, affordable maintenance, there's no reason to wait. Visit or consult a certified solar photovoltaic system provider to take the first step toward a more sustainable energy future.
Daily Express
15-07-2025
- Daily Express
Unemployed jailed for cheating
Published on: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 15, 2025 By: Marutin Ansiung Text Size: The accused escorted by policemen at the Keningau Magistrate's Court. KENINGAU: An unemployed man was jailed six months for cheating a local man in the sale of a non-existent vehicle. The accused, Mohd Firaz Bin Gumpar, 28, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Nurashikin Mokthar after the charge was read in the Magistrate's Court here on Monday. Advertisement Based on the facts of the case, at around 10.17am on Dec 29, 2024 the victim came across a Facebook advertisement for a Toyota Hilux priced at RM23,000. Interested in the offer, the victim contacted the seller, who introduced himself as 'Azman' via 017-5046621 and another individual known as 'Mr Liew' via 011-23283648. The victim then made three payments totalling RM1,000 to CIMB account 8605460339. Subsequently, the victim was asked to pay an additional RM10,000 as a deposit. He later met the accused in person outside SL Auto Part in Sook to hand over the cash, witnessed by the victim's father. The victim later realised he had been scammed when the vehicle was not delivered as promised and his calls were blocked. The victim lodged a police report. The accused was charged under Section 417 of the Penal Code for cheating. * 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
