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Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
DOSM: Ageing farmers in Sarawak highlight need to attract youth to agriculture
Dr Rundi (centre), Mohd Uzir (second right), Martin (second left) and others pose with the Sarawak-level Agriculture Census Interim Report 2024 book. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 9): The ageing workforce in Sarawak's agriculture sector must be urgently addressed by increasing youth participation, said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) Sarawak. In a statement issued in conjunction with the launch of the Sarawak-level Agriculture Census Interim Report 2024 today, the department said the findings from the census underscored the need to strengthen the support ecosystem for farmers, especially in areas such as skills training, technology transfer and productivity enhancement. 'This situation also calls for the implementation of comprehensive and integrated policies in line with the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 (NAP 2.0), which emphasises food security, sustainability and competitiveness in the agrofood sector,' DOSM said. The report was launched by State Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. DOSM Sarawak reported that a total of 147,414 agricultural holdings were recorded in the state as of 2023, with 98.6 per cent (145,378 holdings) individually owned and 1.4 per cent (2,036 holdings) held by organisations. Nearly all the individuals involved in agriculture (99.9 per cent) were Malaysian citizens, and 80 per cent were male. In terms of age distribution, 43.6 per cent of individual holdings were owned by those aged 60 and above, while 37.3 per cent were owned by individuals aged 46 to 59, further illustrating the sector's ageing demographic. Meanwhile, the report reaffirmed that oil palm remains Sarawak's dominant commodity, contributing 79 per cent to the total value of the state's agriculture sector. At the national level, oil palm generated RM83.30 billion in sales in 2023, with Sarawak accounting for RM18.61 billion or 22.3 per cent of the national total. Also present were DOSM chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, who is also the 2024 Agriculture Census commissioner, and State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Datuk Martin Ben. agriculture DOSM Dr Stephen Rundi Utom elderly farmers lead youth
Borneo Post
09-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Rundi: Open data, information-based strategies crucial for Sarawak agriculture growth:
Dr Rundi (centre) places his palm on the launching gimmick device while Martin (second left), Mohd Uzir (second right) and others look on. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (July 9): A more open data ecosystem and information-based strategies are crucial to driving the growth of Sarawak's agriculture sector in Sarawak, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) plays a vital role in providing accurate and high-quality data that enables the government to identify high-potential crops, better target farmer groups in need of assistance, and prioritise key agricultural areas. 'I was informed that DOSM is currently studying our topography in Sarawak. For example, in areas like Ulu Baram, certain crops may be more suitable, whereas in other lowland areas, different crops may be better suited. 'With collaboration from all relevant agencies, we can empower Sarawak's agriculture sector to be more sustainable, productive, and competitive,' he said when officiating the Sarawak-level Agriculture Census Interim Report 2024 at a leading hotel here today. Dr Rundi said detailed information such as the number of farmers growing a particular crop in a given area is essential as it helps the government better target specific groups and avoid wastage in aid distribution. 'When we have the right data, we can allocate resources more efficiently, tailor incentives accordingly, and prevent resource wastage. 'This includes knowing what crops are being grown, who's growing them, and what kind of yields can be expected,' he explained. He also urged for greater use of digital platforms like the Integrated Agricultural Statistical System (TaniStats) and e-Tani, which collect agricultural data, to be fully utilised so that the government can formulate policies and incentives based on actual on-the-ground conditions. At the same time, Dr Rundi stressed the importance of protecting farmers from unsustainable losses, citing successful models in countries like Japan and Vietnam, which have successfully developed their agriculture sectors. 'If a farmer grows paddy and the yield is not worth the effort, they will become discouraged. 'So, we must help them through suitable incentives and price guarantees,' he said. He also called on agricultural officers to be more proactive and adopt a more consultative approach to engage with farmers before implementing any policies or aid programmes. 'Instead of telling them what to do, ask them what they want to do, what resources they have and what their plans are. 'Once we understand what they want to do, only then we can step in to facilitate and empower their efforts more effectively,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Martin Ben and DOSM chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, who is also the 2024 Agriculture Census commissioner.
Borneo Post
18-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SST expansion underscores urgent need for S'wak to boost local food production, says Dr Rundi
Dr Rundi (third left) presents the certificate to retired DoA agriculture officer Gilbert Igi on stage, witnessed by Dr Abdul Rahman (second left), Martin (third right) and Dominic. KUCHING (June 18): The upcoming expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) on imported food should prompt greater urgency in boosting Sarawak's local food production and achieving food self-sufficiency, said State Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. Rather than focusing solely on taxation measures, he stressed the importance of long-term planning and innovation to strengthen the state's food security amid rising global uncertainties, including conflicts, climate change, and disruptions in global supply chains. 'These are the things that we have to think outside the box about. SST is one aspect, but our real focus must be on how to increase our local food sector,' he told reporters when met after officiating the Department of Agriculture (DoA) Sarawak Appreciation Ceremony here today. He noted that Sarawak currently faces a growing food import-export deficit, which rose from RM5.6 billion in 2022 to RM7.6 billion in 2023. 'So that means we have to be prepared, and we have to produce using our raw materials to create animal feed and plant the various crops. 'Our ancestors had to survive on sago and tapioca during World War II and we do not want to return to that kind of survival mode,' he said. Highlighting rice as a key concern, Dr Rundi pointed out that Malaysia's self-sufficiency level (SSL) for rice stands at only 32 per cent. 'Can you imagine, 68 per cent of our rice has to come from countries like Vietnam and India? If these major exporters stop exporting, we will be in deep trouble. 'That is why we are so serious about planting paddy,' he said. The minister revealed that Sarawak has a master plan in place to raise food production, including initiatives to develop hybrid rice varieties capable of producing up to 15 metric tonnes per hectare. Land identification and gazettement for food crop cultivation are also being undertaken with the help of the Land and Survey Department, with areas in Limbang and Lawas already gazetted for paddy, he said. On the role of farmers, Dr Rundi said it is crucial to shift from the traditional view of subsistence farming towards a business-oriented approach. 'We no longer talk about SSL in isolation. We talk about business – profit and loss. 'That is why we created the e-Tani platform, to ensure assistance is targeted according to the farmer's main activity,' he said. Using a rural anecdote, Dr Rundi recalled witnessing how residents at a longhouse were once given fingerlings for fish farming but unfortunately did not have the knowledge to manage them. 'All 30 doors of the longhouse were given the fingerlings, but they did not know what to do with them. That's a waste. 'So, we must move away from blanket assistance. The farmers must give us the feedback and tell us what they need, not what we think they need. Then they can see the impact,' he stressed. Earlier, Dr Rundi presented certificates to Excellence Service Award (APC) recipients as well as Certificates of Recognition to some retirees from DoA Sarawak. A total of 151 officers and staff from the department received APC awards, while retirees were celebrated for their service. Also present were State Deputy Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Ministers Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Datuk Martin Ben, and DoA Sarawak director Dominic Chunggat. dr stephen rundi lead local food production SST expansion
The Star
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to pioneer Asean TVET accreditation, says Zahid
MELAKA: Malaysia has become the first country in the Asean region to offer accreditation recognition for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. The Deputy Prime Minister said that Asean member states had reached a consensus on this recognition during a recent meeting involving ministers and senior officials. 'We successfully reached an agreement, and Malaysia will take the lead as the first nation to offer this form of accreditation for acceptance throughout Asean,' he said following his keynote address at the Asean TVET Council 4th Regional Policy Dialogue (ATC 4th RPD) here on Wednesday (June 11). Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang, as well as representatives from Asean, Germany and Australia were also present. Ahmad Zahid stated that the dialogue focuses on establishing an Asean-wide ecosystem that prioritises TVET in the region's future, with the Asean TVET Council tasked with connecting policies, aligning standards, and promoting shared progress. Earlier in his speech, he urged Asean to bridge the skills gap by promoting industry-driven, demand-based training programmes. He said it was essential to align the regional talent pipeline with the needs of factories, plantations and emerging green industries. He said that industries must co-develop training modules, share apprenticeship opportunities and open up cross-border job prospects for this to be achieved. "Thirdly, we must develop TVET as a comprehensive ecosystem by aligning education, industry, infrastructure, certification and digital access, all guided by data and coordinated through the ATC,' he 'We propose the formalisation of Malaysia as the Asean TVET Certification and Excellence Hub and we look forward to the full support of all member states in making this a shared regional legacy,' he said. "In this global race for relevance, skills are the new currency. Malaysia is not only championing skills development but also laying the foundation for Asean to emerge as a TVET powerhouse," he said.
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Zahid pushes for completion of 'sick projects' in Sarawak
KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi wants the five projects categorised as 'sick projects' in Sarawak, involving the Rural and Regional Development Ministry under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP) and 12MP, to be completed during the 13MP period. Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the causes for the projects' delay included site issues such as permits, land acquisition and overlapping pipe alignments, in addition to weather conditions. "Since the 13MP will be tabled at the coming Dewan Rakyat session, any sick projects will be expedited and its completion period must be within the 13MP, namely from Rolling Plan 1 to 5. "For example, for non-sick projects, but projects that have been delayed, namely the Maktab Rendah Sains Mara in Lawas which has obtained approval but not yet implemented… my instructions is that it must be implemented under the 13MP Rolling Plan 1," he said. He said this at a media conference after attending the Special Meeting on the Implementation of Development Projects in Sarawak by the ministry here today. Zahid said that following the landslide incident in Kampung Lereng Bukit, Miri in January, which completely damaged 14 houses, efforts to rebuild the houses of all the affected residents would be carried out after the Gawai Day celebration. "A suitable plot of land has been obtained as determined by the Sarawak Land Custody and Development Authority (PELITA), with the implementation carried out by the state government agency," he said, adding that the incident affected a total of 277 residents in the affected settlement. He also said that his ministry plans to set up the Mara Poly-Tech College of Sarawak either in Kuching or Samarahan to expand opportunities for youths in the state to further their studies at the pre-diploma, diploma and foundation level. He is targeting a total of 1,000 students to study at the college by 2028. "We plan to start with about 200 students and, in the following years, we expect to take in 500 students yearly," he said, adding that the college will offer studies in the fields of business, information technology and humanities. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Rubiah Wang and Sarawak Minister of Utilities and Telecommunications Datuk Julaihi Narawi. Earlier, the nearly two-hour special meeting aimed to coordinate the implementation of ministry's rural development projects in Sarawak to ensure the people can enjoy the basic facilities and infrastructure. Meanwhile, the ministrysaid in a statement that Sarawak has received an allocation of RM3.2 billion under the 12MP, involving the implementation of 403 programmes and projects, a total project cost of RM21.73 billion. It added that of the total, 178 projects or 44.71 per cent have been identified as still in the 'Pre-Implementation' status, with 155 projects having been approved from 2021 to this year. — BERNAMA
