Abg Jo says binding targets needed for peatland restoration, seeks global action now

KUCHING (Sept 25): Sarawak has called for binding targets for peatland restoration and urged international bodies to act urgently.

Speaking at the 15th International Sago Symposium opening and gala dinner hosted by the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (Tropi) last night, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said voluntary efforts alone do not suffice.

“We need binding targets for peatland restoration, attractive incentives for sustainable agricultural practices, and a collective effort from the public and private sectors,” he said.

He called on international bodies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to urgently take a more strategic approach.

He highlighted the sago palm’s crucial role in environmental sustainability as it is ideal for rehabilitating degraded unmanaged peatlands, which is a critical part of the fight against climate change.

“Sago palm, the only perennial starch crop that can thrive in extreme conditions, is uniquely suited to areas prone to flooding, making it an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture in flood-prone areas.

“It not only sequesters carbon dioxide but has aerial roots capable of fixing nitrogen, which further enhances its environmental benefits. A rare and valuable trait that promotes plant growth.

“By integrating sustainable peatland management with sago palm cultivation, we can contribute to national and global climate goals, improve our environment while providing food, sequestering carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, mitigating flooding, and stabilising our riverbanks,” he said.

Apart from its role in food security, he said sago palm is an important economic asset with applications in various industries from food production to biodegradable packaging, animal feed, bio-fertilisers, and biofuels.

“Initiatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Technical Cooperation Programmes in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea called ‘Promotion of Sago Starch Utilization’ and ‘Enhancing Food Security and Combating Climate Change through Scaling Up Sago Palm Production’ have highlighted the growing importance of the sago palm in addressing global food security challenges,” he shared.

Abang Johari said with the growing demand for natural, gluten-free products, sago is becoming increasingly popular with health-conscious consumers and a preferred choice in global markets.

Globally, sago plantations cover 2.5 million ha, 92 per cent of which are in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, while Sarawak contributes 2.5 per cent, covering 62,000 ha.

“To strengthen the industry, Sarawak has established the Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB). The aim is to modernise production, promote mechanisation, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers while enhancing Sarawak’s green economy,” he said.

He stated the Sarawak government is prepared to allocate funds to Sarawak Tropi in ensuring that research and development on sago planting runs smoothly.

Funds will also be allocated to the planting of Napier grass for the agricultural feed industry, he said.

He explained that the potential of Napier grass growing inside sago plantation or among sago trees will be studied.

“While they are getting main income from sago planting after producing variety of end products, the Napier grass can also be turned into income generating pellets and even raw materials for producing electrical power,” he said, adding those rearing animals could use the grass as feed.

He pointed out that a company in Bintulu managed to produce 2.5 tonnes of pellets from Napier grass grown on 800ha of land.

The pellets were exported to a power plant in the United Kingdom.

The symposium themed ‘Unlocking the Potential of Sago Palm: Towards Sustainable Food Systems and Environmental Restoration’, involves over 250 international delegates.

It is organised by Sarawak Tropi in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development; Universiti Teknologi Mara; SSPS of Japan; Nagoya University; Land Custody and Development Authority Holdings Sdn Bhd; CRAUN Research Sdn Bhd; Universiti Malaysia Sarawak; and i-CATS University College.

It is also supported by the FAO, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and Sarawak Convention Bureau.

Among those present at the gala dinner were Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Deputy Minister Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh; Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil; and Sarawak Tropi director Datu Dr Lulie Melling.