SIBU: The state agriculture sector is in need of more committed and innovative entrepreneurs to bring it to greater heights.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this is especially in view of the state’s aim to be a net food and food products exporter by 2030.
He said this after visiting Sarawak Fruit Enterprise, a local fruit collecting, processing and packaging centre (CPPC) for durian, dabai, rambutan, isu (wild durian), cempedak and others.
The company, which is located at Wawasan Road here, belongs to a young entrepreneur Chuo Nang Ling, an electronic engineer by training.
Uggah, who is also the Minister of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, was impressed by what Chuo is doing.
“You have got the idea, machines and the workers. We need more people with your spirit and commitment.
“You need to work out on your production line to boost your supplies. The Agriculture Department will help you on your production line layout,” he told Chuo.
Uggah added that the company could be an anchor company for Sibu for fruits, like durian and dabai in particular.
To get more markets, he suggested that Chua promotes his products among Sarawakians in West Malaysia, such as in Johor with its sizeable Sarawakian population who could then introduce them to others.
He added that Singapore, which had accepted a number of local products, could be another potential market with the assistance of Sarawak Trade and Tourism Company Pte Ltd (Statos).
“You can collaborate with us,” Uggah said.
According to Chuo, he started his business in January, 2018.
He is producing frozen fruit, fruit paste, frozen fruit pulp, fruit nut, dried fruits, fruit crackers, durian and dabai ice creams and others.
Fruit farmers from Ngemah, Bintangor, Julau, Sarikei, Song and Stapang are his suppliers and his products are marketed locally.
Chuo is also receiving some inputs from the Agriculture Department.
His target is to sell about five tons of Durian paste next year.
Three political secretaries, Lidam Asaan (Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry), Dr Richard Rapu and Tapa Ata (both from the Chief Minister’s Office) joined Uggah on the visit.
