Latest news with #Salcra
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawakians urged to adopt circular economy in cultural, community events
Dr Rundi (second left) dons a traditional Orang Ulu headgear upon his arrival at the closing ceremony of the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 at MJC Batu Kawa, Kuching. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 26): Sarawakians are urged to adopt a circular economy approach when organising cultural and community events. In making the call, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said while showcasing cultural heritage, Sarawakians should embrace a mindset of resourcefulness and waste reduction. 'When Gawai Dayak is around the corner, we look forward to the Gawai Dayak Bazaar, just as we do with the Ramadan Bazaars when Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches. 'Rather than simply waiting for these events, we should see them as a significant game changers that encourage us to change our mindset and reduce waste in everything we do,' he said in his speech during the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 closing ceremony at MJC Batu Kawa here last night. Dr Rundi encouraged Sarawakians to find value in their efforts by monetising their talents, produce, and even waste, citing Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) as an example where biomass is converted into valuable products such as animal feed, fertiliser, and renewable energy. 'All these were once waste materials, discarded products with no value. Now, they are being converted into dollars and cents,' he said. He also highlighted the importance of understanding the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 as a roadmap for Sarawak's recovery and future growth. By recognising its five key pillars, Sarawakians can contribute effectively to the state's sustainable development goals. 'We must each play our part and uphold environmental, social, and governance standards to ensure Sarawak is recognised for its commitment to green energy,' he said. Meanwhile, Dr Rundi announced that the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 at MJC Batu Kawa had recorded sales exceeding RM1 million over its 10-day duration. Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala; Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben; Utility and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Datuk Liwan Lagang; Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu; Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau; Batu Danau assemblyman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang, who is also the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 committee chairman; along with other distinguished guests. circular economy Dr Stephen Rundi Utom events Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 lead
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawakians urged to embrace circular economy
Dr Rundi (second left) dons a traditional Orang Ulu headgear upon his arrival at the closing ceremony of the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 at MJC Batu Kawa, Kuching. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 26): Sarawakians are urged to adopt a circular economy approach when organising cultural and community events. In making the call, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom emphasised the importance of resourcefulness and waste reduction while showcasing cultural heritage during these events. 'When Gawai Dayak is around the corner, we look forward to the Gawai Dayak Bazaar, just as we do with the Ramadan Bazaars when Hari Raya Aidilfitri approaches. 'Rather than simply waiting for these events, we should see them as a significant game changers that encourage us to change our mindset and reduce waste in everything we do,' he said in his speech during the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 closing ceremony at MJC Batu Kawa here last night. Dr Rundi encouraged Sarawakians to find value in their efforts by monetising their talents, produce, and even waste, citing Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) as an example where biomass is converted into valuable products such as animal feed, fertiliser, and renewable energy. 'All these were once waste materials, discarded products with no value. Now, they are being converted into dollars and cents,' he said. He also highlighted the importance of understanding the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 as a roadmap for Sarawak's recovery and future growth. By recognising its five key pillars, Sarawakians can contribute effectively to the state's sustainable development goals. 'We must each play our part and uphold environmental, social, and governance standards to ensure Sarawak is recognised for its commitment to green energy,' he said. Meanwhile, Dr Rundi announced that the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 at MJC Batu Kawa had recorded sales exceeding RM1 million over its 10-day duration. Also present were Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala; Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben; Utility and Telecommunication Deputy Minister Datuk Liwan Lagang; Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu; Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau; Batu Danau assemblyman Datuk Paulus Palu Gumbang, who is also the Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 committee chairman; along with other distinguished guests. circular economy Dr Stephen Rundi Utom events Gawai Dayak Bazaar 2025 lead
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak to shift palm oil focus to downstream growth, sustainability, says Abang Johari
KUCHING, May 24 — Sarawak will further strengthen downstream activities in its oil palm sector to enhance sustainability and economic value, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He announced that the state would shift focus away from crude palm oil production and instead prioritise downstream development to increase the sector's overall value. 'Not only will this make the palm oil industry in Sarawak more sustainable but it also contributes to increasing the state's revenue,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report today when launching the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) kernel crushing plant in Lubok Antu, Sri Aman. Abang Johari noted that the state's palm oil industry had traditionally focused on crude oil production. However, he emphasised the need to evolve with modern technology to maximise the potential of the crop. 'With technological advances now, palm oil is also able to produce biofuel for aircraft use as well as serving as a source of food for livestock,' he said. He added that this transformation aligns with Sarawak's development policy, which embraces the circular economy which focuses on reusing materials and reducing waste. 'Sarawak is currently placing great emphasis on the 'waste to energy' industry where waste will be turned into renewable materials and be purchased by the public in the form of other products,' he said. According to Abang Johari, such eco-friendly products are now fetching premium prices in international markets, positioning this initiative as a promising new revenue stream for the state. He reaffirmed Sarawak's commitment to producing environmentally sustainable goods under the circular economy framework, particularly by converting waste into high-value downstream products. At a press conference following the launch, Abang Johari encouraged local farmers and ranchers to explore innovative ways of enhancing the value of their existing commodities. He expressed confidence that Sarawak could realise its vision of boosting household incomes and becoming a major exporter of agricultural and livestock products by 2030. 'Most of our farmers have two hectares of land and if it doesn't affect their crops, the space between the oil palm trees can be used to rear animals,' he said. Abang Johari noted that Sarawak does not depend on traditional grazing fields, but instead uses alternative feed sources like napier grass mixed with oil palm waste. 'This will increase income for our farmers because they will have two streams of income, one from oil palm and the other from livestock,' he said. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak eyes biofuel revenue from palm oil waste through legal reforms
KUCHING, May 24 — The Sarawak government is currently reviewing existing legal provisions in a bid to put palm oil waste to better use, with the aim of promoting downstream activities and increasing revenue for the state. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said he had directed Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom to discuss the matter with state Attorney-General Datuk Seri Saferi Ali. 'Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi will discuss with the Sarawak Attorney-General regarding amendments to our laws so that we can manage palm oil waste, turning it into a new source of income for Sarawak. 'From this waste, we can produce green energy,' he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report today. He made these remarks during a press conference after launching the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) kernel crushing plant in Lubok Antu, Sri Aman. Abang Johari said this move will serve to strengthen Sarawak's role in the regional economy. At present, Sarawak has 85 palm oil processing mills, from which palm oil waste can be collected and sent to a central processing facility for biofuel production. According to him, these 85 mills can work together to ensure proper disposal and management of palm oil waste, facilitating the production of biofuel. 'In this way, we will be able to produce large-scale by-products such as biofuel which is the basis for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 'If this can be materialised, then Sarawak can become an SAF producer in the region, further boosting our revenue,' added Abang Johari. — The Borneo Post
