Sago symposium focuses on sustainable production, says Sagah

KOTA SAMARAHAN (Sept 24): The sustainable production of sago palms will be discussed extensively during the ongoing 15th International Sago Symposium, according to Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

When met at the sidelines of the ice-breaking session for delegates attending the symposium at Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (Tropi) last night, Sagah said the symposium discourse is also set to highlight the immense contributions of the sago plant to food security and environment.

“It will also provide information to all planters on peat soil on how to manage the environment. Therefore, not only these would be beneficial to people, but they will also help in contributing to the maintenance of green ecology,” he added.

Sagah said the sago palm requires research to shorten its gestation period to boost sago production for food sources, adding that sago starch is currently being utilised for industrial purposes.

“The sago palm, known as the ‘tree of life’, is not only a source of food for many communities but also a symbol of resilience and hope in our efforts to address critical challenges such as food security and environmental sustainability.”

He said research outcome aimed at increasing the number of sago palm harvests would benefit food industry sustainability.

He mentioned that sago production issues had been raised in the previous State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sittings, and that Craun Research Sdn Bhd had been tasked with conducting thorough research.

“Craun had discovered how to make sago starch an alternative to rice, particularly its carbohydrate component. But still, the sago palm gestation period is long, making harvesting frequency and production low.”

Sagah expressed confidence that symposium would lead to meaningful collaboration and innovative solutions, unlocking the full potential of the sago palm to transform lives, landscapes, and ecosystems.

This year’s symposium, themed “Unlocking the Potential of the Sago Palm: Towards Sustainable Food Systems and Environmental Restoration”, is organised 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, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, and i-CATS University College.

The event, held from Sept 23 to 25, is also supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and Sarawak Convention Bureau.

Also present during the ice-breaking session for the symposium’s 250 international delegates was Sarawak Tropi director Datu Dr Lulie Melling.