Latest news with #SLDB
Daily Express
03-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Big Sabah potential as pineapple hub
Published on: Sunday, August 03, 2025 Published on: Sun, Aug 03, 2025 Text Size: Mohamad Sabu said the pineapple production is not only meant for the local market but also for export, thereby enhancing the value-added potential of agricultural produce in Sabah and Sarawak. KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has big potential to become the country's main pineapple production hub, in line with efforts to strengthen the tropical fruit industry for both domestic and export markets. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said 300 hectares in Sinua have been identified for a pilot pineapple project in collaboration with the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB). He said thousands of hectares in other locations have also been earmarked for pineapple plantation development. 'Among the potential areas are Kota Marudu, Beaufort and locations along major roads that are suitable for large-scale, commercial pineapple cultivation,' he said at the pre-launch of the 4th World Irrigation Forum (WIF4) in conjunction with the National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day (HPPNKL) at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Saturday. Mohamad Sabu said the pineapple production is not only meant for the local market but also for export, thereby enhancing the value-added potential of agricultural produce in Sabah and Sarawak. At the event, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) were signed, involving the marketing of edible bird's nests to the Chinese market and the development of pineapple cultivation. The agreements related to the export of both raw and processed bird's nests are expected to expand the market potential for Malaysia's high-value agro-products. On the WIF4, Mohamad said it will bring together global leaders, technical experts and policymakers from 24 countries to address pressing issues in climate change impacts and water resource management in agriculture. He said the high-level international gathering, to be held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, is a strategic avenue to discuss critical challenges in the global irrigation sector and the need for sustainable modernisation of irrigation systems. One of the highlights of WIF4 will be the High-Level Advisory Group Meeting, which is expected to produce policy recommendations and a global roadmap to strengthen the role of irrigation in ensuring world food security. Mohamad described Malaysia's selection as host as an international recognition of the country's expertise in irrigation, agricultural drainage and water resource management. Mohamad said the forum is expected to draw more than 1,000 participants from over 30 countries, including government representatives, research institutions, international organisations, the private sector and farming communities. More than 100 presentations will be delivered, covering comprehensive discussions across the forum's four sub-themes. 'The forum will provide an important avenue for sharing best practices and learning from international experiences in strengthening the country's irrigation sector,' he said, adding that it also bridges the gap between practical field experience with scientific research, while promoting stronger international cooperation. Mohamad urged all participants, including policymakers, researchers, engineers and agro entrepreneurs, to take the initiative in building robust collaborative networks to accelerate the implementation of high-impact projects. He also called on them to seize the opportunity to explore and adopt the latest technologies and innovative practices that can enhance the precision and efficiency of irrigation, encouraging open and constructive dialogue to formulate policy recommendations and practical measures to address future challenges. Mohamad said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has taken proactive steps to transform the irrigation sector by introducing modern technologies such as precision agriculture, the use of Internet of Things (IoT) in smart irrigation systems, and integrated approaches to sustainable water resource management for irrigation, agricultural drainage and water supply, all aimed at strengthening the agri food sector. Also present were Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, and the Ministry's Secretary-General Datuk Seri Isham Ishak. * 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
Borneo Post
28-07-2025
- 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
New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ministry allocates RM1 million for MD2 pineapple project in Sabah
SOOK: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has allocated RM1 million, under the Land Use Optimisation Programme carried out in collaboration with the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB), for the MD2 pineapple plantation project here. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Ministry Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said Phase 1 of the project, covering six hectares with 250,000 pineapple vines planted, benefits 695 participants. "The participants are expected to enjoy the first harvest, expected between 12 and 15 months from now, thus supporting efforts to develop the community-based economy in rural areas, particularly in the interior of Sabah, where livelihoods largely depend on agricultural resources," he said in a statement here today. Arthur said the implementation of the project would not only boost the country's pineapple production but also create job opportunities, generate income for local farmers and promote overall rural economic development. He said SLDB had originally planned to develop oil palm plantations in the area, but the soil conditions proved unsuitable. As a result, SLDB took the initiative to optimise land use by cultivating pineapples instead, he added. He said the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board was also involved in exploring the potential for collaboration, particularly in establishing a pineapple industry in Sook, with the ministry always focusing on high-value agricultural sectors such as the MD2 pineapple crop. Meanwhile, Arthur said that under the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK), a group-based MD2 pineapple cultivation project is being carried out in Kampung Sakikilo, involving 42 families. He said LPNM would contribute its expertise in pineapple cultivation and work alongside the Sook PPK to monitor the project, an initiative aimed at boosting the income of the participating communities. "I am planning for the board and the Malaysian Farmers' Organisation to establish a pineapple industry in Sook, turning it into a new economic source for the interior districts of Sabah," he said, adding that 5,000 pineapple vines, over 300 kilogrammes of fertiliser and a mini tiller machine had been handed over to kick-start the community project.
The Sun
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RM1 million allocated for MD2 pineapple project in Sabah
SOOK: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has allocated RM1 million for the MD2 pineapple plantation project in Sabah under the Land Use Optimisation Programme. The initiative, carried out with the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB), aims to enhance agricultural productivity and rural economic growth. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that Phase 1 of the project covers six hectares with 250,000 pineapple vines, benefiting 695 participants. 'The first harvest is expected in 12 to 15 months, supporting community-based economic development in rural Sabah,' he said. Originally, SLDB planned oil palm cultivation in the area, but unsuitable soil conditions led to a shift towards pineapple farming. Arthur highlighted that the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) is exploring collaboration opportunities to establish a pineapple industry in Sook. Additionally, a group-based MD2 pineapple project in Kampung Sakikilo involves 42 families under the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK). LPNM will provide expertise and monitoring support to ensure project success. Arthur added, 'We aim to make Sook a new economic hub for Sabah's interior districts,' with 5,000 pineapple vines, fertiliser, and farming equipment already distributed to kickstart the initiative. - Bernama
Barnama
18-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
KPKM Allocates RM1 Million For MD2 Pineapple Project In Sabah
SOOK, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has allocated RM1 million, under the Land Use Optimisation Programme carried out in collaboration with the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB), for the MD2 pineapple plantation project here. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said Phase 1 of the project, covering six hectares with 250,000 pineapple vines planted, benefits 695 participants. 'The participants are expected to enjoy the first harvest, expected between 12 and 15 months from now, thus supporting efforts to develop the community-based economy in rural areas, particularly in the interior of Sabah, where livelihoods largely depend on agricultural resources,' he said in a statement here today. Arthur said the implementation of the project would not only boost the country's pineapple production, but also create job opportunities, generate income for local farmers and promote overall rural economic development. He said SLDB had originally planned to develop oil palm plantations in the area, but the soil conditions proved unsuitable. As a result, SLDB took the initiative to optimise land use by cultivating pineapples instead, he added. He said the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) was also involved in exploring the potential for collaboration, particularly in establishing a pineapple industry in Sook, with the ministry always focusing on high-value agricultural sectors such as the MD2 pineapple crop. Meanwhile, Arthur said that under the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK), a group-based MD2 pineapple cultivation project is being carried out in Kampung Sakikilo, involving 42 families. He said LPNM would contribute its expertise in pineapple cultivation and work alongside the Sook PPK to monitor the project, an initiative aimed at boosting the income of the participating communities.
