Latest news with #SarawakFoodIndustry
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Sarawak Focusing On Developing Comprehensive Agriculture Supply Chain
GENERAL LUNDU (Sarawak), June 10 (Bernama) -- Sarawak is focusing on developing a comprehensive agricultural supply chain to improve the marketing of produce and minimise wastage. Sarawak Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that an integrated approach, covering the entire supply chain from upstream to downstream, is essential for the sustainability and long-term success of the state's agricultural sector. 'We cannot continue with outdated practices. We must ensure there are factories, markets, and downstream processing facilities to support every crop cultivated. Only then can this sector truly thrive,' he said during a press conference after visiting the GS30 Hybrid Paddy Planting project site in Tanjung Purun earlier today. He said one example of new methods being introduced to diversify crop production in Sarawak is the use of GS30 hybrid paddy seeds from Wuhan, China, which are currently being tested in Tanjung Purun. 'These seeds have the potential to yield between 12 to 14 metric tonnes per hectare, compared with the conventional yield of around six to seven metric tonnes per hectare,' he said. Dr Rundi added that the pilot project, implemented by Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd over 187 hectares, has shown strong potential. However, its success depends on several critical factors, including the efficiency of the drainage system, the formation of soil structures such as hardpans, and full mechanisation, covering ploughing, planting, fertilising, pesticide application, and harvesting. He also noted that Sarawak currently has a rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) of only about 32 per cent, with an annual production of 180,000 metric tonnes, while the state's actual consumption needs stand at 450,000 metric tonnes. Earlier, speaking at the event, Baja Engineering Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Juraimi Abdillah said the original name of the hybrid seed was Liangyou 289, developed by Hubei Ceres Technology in China. 'However, the official name of this seed will be finalised later, pending approval from Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg,' he added.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Thirteen-year-old first rabies case in Sarawak this year
KUCHING: Sarawak recorded its first human rabies case for 2025 from a stray cat bite this month, Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said. The case involved a 13-year-old teen in Kampung Segedup near here who displayed symptoms of fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, hallucinations, raving and hydrophobia on May 21. 'The victim is being treated at the Sarawak General Hospital and the state health department has confirmed the patient has rabies. 'Usually if they reach this stage, it's really hard to recover... we have taken preventive measures by catching stray dogs around the area and the stray cat has been confirmed dead,' he said at a media conference of the Rabies in Borneo 2025 conference at the state assembly building today, adding that local authorities are intensifying efforts to control stray cats and dogs in the area. He also advised the public to be vigilant about the threat of rabies and to seek hospital treatment if attacked by animals before the virus affects the brain and nerves. 'This year we took 21 cat samples, two of them confirmed positive for rabies... most rabies infection cases are from animal bites and victims should immediately go to the hospital for an injection. 'But if the victim delays going to hospital and the virus reaches the brain it can be irreversible and it is painful... that's what we want to avoid,' he said. According to the Sarawak Health Department, there have been 63,301 cases of dog bites, 57,210 cases of cat bites or scratches and 1,832 cases involving other animal bites reported since 2017 till the 20th epidemiological week for 2025 (May 11 to 17, 2025) On the rabies conference, Stephen expressed hope that it would provide solutions to ensure countries in Borneo are free of rabies. 'We want more parties involved to understand the danger of animals carrying the rabies virus... so for this conference we invited Sabah, Kalimantan, Indonesia and Brunei to share how to tackle the issue. 'We also invited countries that have successfully tackled rabies to share their experiences and to ensure we implement more effective policies,' he said.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Thirteen-year-old first rabies case in Sarawak this year - S'wak minister
KUCHING: Sarawak recorded its first human rabies case for 2025 from a stray cat bite this month, Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said. The case involved a 13-year-old teen in Kampung Segedup near here who displayed symptoms of fever, lack of appetite, vomiting, hallucinations, raving and hydrophobia on May 21. 'The victim is being treated at the Sarawak General Hospital and the state health department has confirmed the patient has rabies. 'Usually if they reach this stage, it's really hard to recover... we have taken preventive measures by catching stray dogs around the area and the stray cat has been confirmed dead,' he said at a media conference of the Rabies in Borneo 2025 conference at the state assembly building today, adding that local authorities are intensifying efforts to control stray cats and dogs in the area. He also advised the public to be vigilant about the threat of rabies and to seek hospital treatment if attacked by animals before the virus affects the brain and nerves. 'This year we took 21 cat samples, two of them confirmed positive for rabies... most rabies infection cases are from animal bites and victims should immediately go to the hospital for an injection. 'But if the victim delays going to hospital and the virus reaches the brain it can be irreversible and it is painful... that's what we want to avoid,' he said. According to the Sarawak Health Department, there have been 63,301 cases of dog bites, 57,210 cases of cat bites or scratches and 1,832 cases involving other animal bites reported since 2017 till the 20th epidemiological week for 2025 (May 11 to 17, 2025) On the rabies conference, Stephen expressed hope that it would provide solutions to ensure countries in Borneo are free of rabies. 'We want more parties involved to understand the danger of animals carrying the rabies virus... so for this conference we invited Sabah, Kalimantan, Indonesia and Brunei to share how to tackle the issue. 'We also invited countries that have successfully tackled rabies to share their experiences and to ensure we implement more effective policies,' he said.
