Sarawak Premier mulls state-wide adoption to integrated urban smart farming concept

MIRI (July 11): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is mulling a state-wide adoption to the integration of smart farming, affordable housing and community participation once the pilot project in Kuala Baram proves to be a success.

The project, carried out in collaboration with the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), is aimed at propelling Sarawak towards agricultural self-sufficiency and becoming a significant player in the food export market.

On that note, Abang Johari said this project is a novel concept aimed at meeting food security and also exports of high-yielding fruits such as gold melons.

Owners of affording housing here can also participate in smart farming using latest technology, including Internet of Things (IOT), with a plot of 30 acres dedicated for this purpose, he added.

“This is the first time we have a residential and commercial area next to it, and I hope it is successful so that it would be a precedent and we can spread it to other housing areas, especially new ones,” he told the media during a visit to the project site today.

He said this integrated urban farming concept has already been proven in Taiwan where high-yield fruits such as gold melons cultivated in small plots of land can fetch between US$50 to US$100 per harvest, and this could be a source of consistent income.

“This smart farming concept can also be adopted by those in suburbs and rural areas to increase income in Sarawak,” he said.

Earlier, Abang Johri was briefed by Simfoni Strategi deputy CEO Hii Wei Wen on the smart farming approach which embraced precision and efficiency in every aspect of its agricultural practices on the plot of greenhouses there.

The company utilised automation system and mobile apps to automate irrigation process, application of fertilisers, control of pests and diseases and climate control in the greenhouses.

“At Simfoni Strategi, we aim to be the beacon of hope and innovation of smart farming industry. We are committed to optimise use of resources, increase yield and quality of agriculture produce and improve supply chain efficiency,” said Hii.

Through reduced costs and higher outputs, he said the company aimed at stabilising product prices in the market while ensuring stable and sufficient supply to meet consumer demand.

Also present were Simfoni Strategic managing director Datuk Hii King Chiong and Sarawak State Secretary Tan Sri Abu Bakar Marzuki.