S’wak to emulate Taiwan’s success in becoming net food exporter despite geographical constraints

Dr Rundi (3rd left) presents a memento to Abang Johari while other guests look on during the opening ceremony of Sarawak Agrofest held at Bintulu Old Airport on July 12, 2024. Photo credit: UKAS

By Shikin Louis

BINTULU, July 12: Sarawak shall emulate Taiwan’s success in becoming a net food exporter despite facing geographical constraints.

Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the size of Taiwan is only one-third of Sarawak.

From Taiwan’s total size, he shared that 75 per cent are hilly areas while 25 per cent are flatlands.

“However, how was Taiwan able to become a net food exporter? This becomes a motivation that we should look into.

“I also observed that they are growing paddy not only in front of their house but also in their backyard. They also plant crops wherever there are empty lands,” he said when speaking at the Sarawak Agrofest (SAF) held at Bintulu Old Airport, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook today.

Dr Rundi further said that Taiwan’s success may be attributed to the fact that they have a very strong farmers’ association which could provide financial assistance to its own members.

“Sarawak already has that basic structure where we have our own Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan (PPK or Area Farmers’ Organisation), and we have a membership of 173,000. So why can’t we revamp or transform (like Taiwan)?

“Therefore, this is the task that the ministry must undertake, and I, as the minister, to ensure that we can shape our food industry from ‘kais pagi makan pagi kais petang makan petang’ (equivalent to living hand to mouth) to venturing into businesses and commercialisation,” he added.

With the theme ‘Enhancing Agro Sector, Empowering Community’, the fifth edition of SAF will take place from today until July 22, featuring 226 booths.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was present to officiate the opening ceremony today.

At the same time, Dr Rundi informed that the event is expected to generate no less than RM5 million in sales and attract about 400,000 visitors from all over the State.

Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) for sponsoring RM60,000 for the Agrofest Run.

Also present during the opening ceremony were Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (Food Industry) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (Commodity and Regional Development) Datuk Maclaine@Martin Ben; MFICORD permanent secretary Sirai Daha; and Bintulu Resident Nyurak Keti. — DayakDaily