DEBAK: A sum of RM7 million has been proposed to build a factory and a research and development (R&D) centre related to the sago palm and nipah palm industries in Saribas.
Deputy Minister of Women, Children and Community Welfare Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam said the money was proposed under the Betong Divisional Development Agency (BDDA).
According to him, it is one of the Sarawak government’s initiatives to ensure that the industries grow, are sustainable and provide employment and income benefits to entrepreneurs here.
“Thus, through the BDDA, the factory and R&D centre worth a total of RM4.5 million were proposed in Kampung Melayu Dit.
“In addition, for the processing of the nipah, ‘gula apong’ and downstream products in Kampung Buda, a value of RM2.5 million was proposed,” he said while officiating at the 2024 Sago and Nipah Community Development Programme here today.
Razi explained that the projects had been handed over to Craun Research Sdn. Bhd to make them come true for the community in Saribas.
On the programme, Saribas assemblyman thanked Craun Research which was working hard to realise it together with the Debak Sub District Office and all strategic partners such as the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and the Sarawak Technical Excellence Center (CENTEXS).
“Themed “Youth and Innovation Driving Rural Economic Transformation”, this programme is important as a direct exposure of new and latest technologies and innovations to industry players.
“This programme is also a medium for CRAUN Research and government agencies to reach out to smallholders and industrialists who are directly on the ground through two-way communication to obtain feedback on the current situation and issues they are facing,” he said.
Razi added that sago was the third most important agricultural commodity in Sarawak after palm oil and pepper, followed by rubber and cocoa.
“In 2022, the sago industry contributed more than RM100 million through the exports of sago starch. The main destinations for the exports of sago starch were Japan and Peninsular Malaysia.
“However, the industry is completely dependent on smallholders who supply raw materials (sago stalks) to produce sago flour. Apart from Mukah, sago plantation areas are also found in Betong Division, especially in Pusa and Debak districts.
“Sarawak’s nipah industry, with ‘gula apong’ as its main product, is mainly concentrated in Betong Division, Kota Samarahan and Kuching.
“Today, it is estimated that more than 400 people are directly involved in the processing of ‘gula apong’ in Sarawak.
“Thus, a programme like this is expected to help those involved to be more innovative in the production of products from sago and nipah palms.
“My hope is that this industry will develop further with the continuous supply of the necessary raw materials,” he said.
The two-day programme included the 2024 Saribas Community Futsal Championship, a Keropok Lekor Processing Technology Course, a technology and innovation exhibition, a karaoke competition, ‘poco-poco’, a lucky ticket draw and government agency briefings.
