JULAU: During the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12), from 2021 until Oct 4, 2024, the government spent approximately RM48.14 million to assist pepper farmers in the Julau parliamentary constituency.
Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin stated that under the Pepper Plant Assistance Scheme, RM7.08 million in aid was distributed to 2,494 pepper growers, covering an area of 588.8 hectares.
He further detailed that RM22.5 million was allocated for the New Pepper Plant Scheme (STLB), while RM18.56 million was designated under the Mature Pepper Plant Scheme (STLM).
Rolland made these remarks while inaugurating the 2024 Pepper Industry Entrepreneur Empowerment Seminar (Julau), organised by the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) yesterday.
He explained that among the aid recipients in the Julau Parliament, 1,483 were from the Meluan state assembly, with the remaining 1,011 recipients from the Pakan state assembly.
Additionally, he noted that the federal government, through MPB, provided funds to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (PMKS) in the pepper sector under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
This included RM384,499 under the Machine Financing Assistance Scheme to help PMKS produce pepper-based products.
Rolland expressed optimism that the Meluan state assembly area holds significant potential for premium pepper production, which offers higher returns.
As of Oct 4 this year, 19.2 hectares of land in Julau have been developed for premium pepper production, involving 89 farmers.
“The Julau area, particularly in the Meluan state assembly, shows potential for producing premium pepper varieties, such as Lada Putih Krim, which commands a higher price than regular-grade pepper,” he said.
He added that in September, the average price of white pepper in the Sarikei and Bintangor Divisions was recorded at RM33,500 and RM34,113 per ton, respectively.
Rolland also highlighted an increase in the export value of pepper. “From January to August this year, a total of 3,704 metric tons of pepper were exported, valued at RM110.2 million, representing a 13.7% increase compared to the same period last year.”
He noted that Julau, a key pepper-producing region in Sarawak, has about 6,980 pepper farmers cultivating 2,138 hectares of pepper crops.
This includes 2,337 farmers from the Pakan state assembly, covering 637.5 hectares, and 4,643 farmers from the Meluan state assembly, covering 1,500.5 hectares.
“The Julau area has great potential to develop into an agro-tourism destination, rich in agricultural products, fostering entrepreneurial and trading activities. It is poised to be a key driver of agricultural economic growth, especially in central Sarawak.”
According to MPB’s E-Grower System database, there are currently 39,343 registered pepper growers in Malaysia, cultivating 8,308.5 hectares of pepper.
The Pepper Industry Activists Empowerment Seminar Programme aims to establish continuous communication channels, particularly between pepper industry stakeholders and MPB, while strengthening relationships to develop a sustainable pepper industry in line with the National Agricommodity Policy (DAKN) 2030.
MPB director-general Vincent Sawat and Julau District officer Minggu Jampong were also present.
