KUCHING: A book is being widely promoted to foster greater awareness and encourage strict compliance with quarantine laws.
The “Guidelines for the Importation of Plants, Plant Products, and Regulated Articles” seeks to ensure safety and compliance in Sarawak’s agricultural trade.
“By adhering to these guidelines, we can prevent biosecurity risks, promote safe trade practices, and ultimately contribute to the growth and sustainability of Sarawak’s agricultural sectors,” said Food Industry Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
He said the concept of the book originated from the Plant Biosecurity and Quarantine Division, which strives to elevate Sarawak’s agricultural trade standards in the face of increasing demand for imported agricultural products.
“Safeguarding our biosecurity borders and beyond has become crucial,” he said this in his speech read by Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail during the opening of the 2024 Agricultural Trade Facilitation Engagement Programme here on Tuesday (Nov 5).
“This book aims not only to assist importers and regulatory bodies but also to raise awareness among the public.
“It offers practical guidance on adhering to the Plant Quarantine Act, which is essential for defending our agricultural ecosystems and natural resources against pest and disease threats,” he said.
Abdul Rahman later told reporters that the book has been promoted through workshops, organised by the Department of Agriculture.
“We have been promoting this book through workshops in Sibu, Miri, Lawas and here in Kuching.
“We are promoting this book so that we can assist importers in ensuring they adopt a standard for food products, ensuring their quality and safety,” he said.
Thus far, Abdul Rahman said, Sarawak has not faced any major pest infestation.
“But we still need to be cautious, as we said earlier, in 2007 we faced an outbreak of citrus greening disease that affected over 1,200 hectares of citrus crops in Samarahan.
“And that outbreak has not been fully resolved yet. We do not want this to happen to other crops, especially key ones like coconut, durian, banana, and pepper.
“That is why we need to remain cautious, and we hope the department will continue to protect our state and enforce the existing laws,” he added.
Also present during the ceremony was Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datuk Buckland Bangik.
