SAF 2026 in Bintulu is targeting 800,000 visitors

KUCHING, 23 Sept: Sarawak Agrofest 2026 (SAF 2026) taking place in Bintulu from 25 September to 4 October is targeting up to 800,000 visitors.

Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development of Sarawak, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the goal was also supported by encouraging reception at last year's event.

"Last year we received 811,000 visits and total sales of RM6.5 million. That means it's such a nice welcome.

"This year we are aiming for visitors about the same as last year, between 700,000 to 800,000 people and this year's sales target is RM6.5 to 7 million", he said in an exclusive interview with TVS here today.

He said the selection of Bintulu as SAF 2026 location took into account its location in central Sarawak and it is easily accessible from various zones of the state, including neighbouring Brunei Darussalam.

According to him, SAF 2026 also focuses on various key commodities of Sarawak such as rice, pineapple, sage, nipah, palm and rubber, besides strengthening the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

"For example, we want to use high-yielding varieties of rice and rice as well as modernize irrigation schemes in rice paddies. Our target for commercial rice projects is 14,000 hectares by 2030".

"For the fruit, we have four fruits that are our focus: pineapple, durian, banana and even coconut. We are aiming for a total plant area of 20,000 hectares by 2030", he added.

Under the theme 'Innovating Agriculture for Food Security', SAF 2026 is organized by the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development (MFICORD) of Sarawak to highlight agricultural innovation towards food security.

The promotion is also in line with the ministry's goal through Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to make Sarawak a clean food exporter.

SAF 2026 will take place at Bintulu Old Airport and is expected to be completed by the Prime Minister of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on 28 September, while the closing ceremony will be completed by the Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development of Sarawak, Dato Sri Stephen Rundi Utom. - TVS