KUCHING: The state government is undertaking several initiatives to achieve its goal of becoming self- sufficient in the food production industry.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan affirmed these initiatives will ensure the state’s food security pointing out that agriculture has been identified as one of the main economic sectors in Sarawak and it will be driven by technology to ensure food security.
“We are developing designated areas for commercial agriculture, such as agroparks and aquaculture parks.
“In addition, agrotechnology parks will be established to attract private investments and promote agriculture and food-based industries.
He added that these parks would be equipped with the necessary infrastructure and facilities to support the agro-based industry.
Awang Tengah stressed on these while speaking at the Grand Opening of The Future of Food and Agriculture International Conference 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), held in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
On a related topic, he mentioned that the Sarawak government had also established the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub, which covers over 70,000 hectares and focuses on the entire food production supply chain.
“This hub offers investment opportunities for investors interested in capitalising on the rapidly growing global demand for halal products, which has an estimated market potential of USD 4.5 trillion by 2030,” he said.
Awang Tengah also revealed that the state government is currently developing a complete agricultural supply chain to ensure the industry’s sustainability, enabling agricultural products to be marketed from farm to table.
“The Sarawak government is setting up its Collection, Processing, and Packaging Centres (CPPC) as well as agrofood terminals,” he stated.
