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New Straits Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak sets pineapple goal
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak's Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Ministry aims to expand pineapple plantations to 20,000 hectares by 2030, Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said today. He said about 2,199.43ha were planted with pineapples in the state. "The target is achievable because Sarawak is not only rich in fertile land but also has strong potential in the high-value agricultural sector such as pineapple cultivation. "Now, pineapple is no longer just a side crop, but is emerging as one of the drivers of the state's agricultural economy," he said at the meet-the-clients day organised by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) to mark the National Pineapple Day. The text of Rundi's speech was read by the ministry's permanent secretary, Datuk Sirai anak Daha. However, he said the target would not be achieved without continuous efforts from all parties, adding that modern technology, digitalisation, and modernisation of agricultural practices were the key factors in ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the pineapple industry — not only in the local market, but also globally. "Most importantly, good cooperation between the state government and LPNM as the representative of the federal government must be upheld." Rundi said through strategic cooperation between the state government and LPNM, various initiatives had been carried out, including the plantation incentive programme, farm infrastructure and the study on pineapple waste for bioeconomic use. He said this was in line with the government's direction in developing modern, smart and sustainable agriculture. He added more than RM23 million had been allocated by LPNM this year for planting materials, farm infrastructure and pineapple waste research. He said this was an opportunity for the people of Sarawak, especially young farmers who wanted to make farming their main career. The aid offered included the construction of a drainage system for better water control, a micro-irrigation system to ensure sufficient water for crops, the installation of fences for the safety of farm areas and the construction of farm roads to facilitate access and transportation of produce. Temporary product storage facilities to maintain the quality of the fruit before marketing was also available to farmers, he added. Over 200 participants attended the meet-the-clients day event here today. It was organised to boost the relationship between LPNM and smallholders, agro-entrepreneurs, training institutions and the public. LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri Salleh said the meet-the-clients day was an important platform to deliver the latest information, opportunities in the pineapple industry and channel assistance and incentives to eligible target groups. He said the programme aimed to boost public awareness about the potential of the pineapple industry in Sarawak. "This meet-the-clients day is a strategic initiative to strengthen relationships and cooperation between stakeholders in the pineapple industry from plantation operators, researchers, producers, manufacturers to exporters with LPNM as the agency fully responsible for safeguarding the interests of the national pineapple industry," he said. Participants included representatives of government agencies, pineapple entrepreneurs and those interested in cultivating the fruit. Among the events included a briefing on the main varieties such as MD2, Moris and Sarawak Gold 1, as well as plant care guidelines according to good agricultural practices. LPNM also provided exposure on pineapple farm management technology as well as information on the agricultural input assistance and pineapple entrepreneur schemes.
Barnama
18 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
Pineapple A New Driver Of Sarawak's Agricultural Economy
KUCHING, July 24 (Bernama) -- Pineapple is no longer just a secondary crop but has emerged as one of the drivers of agricultural economic growth in Sarawak, said Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. He said Sarawak is not only blessed with fertile land but also holds great potential in high-value agriculture such as pineapple cultivation. "Through strategic cooperation between the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) and the state government, various key initiatives have been implemented, including crop incentive programmes, farm infrastructure, and research into pineapple waste for bioeconomy use. 'This is in line with the government's direction to advance modern, smart and sustainable agriculture,' he said in his speech for the launch of the LPNM Sarawak 2025 Customer Day and Project Assistance Presentation Ceremony here today. His speech was read out by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak (M-FICORD), Sirai Daha. Dr Rundi said that based on last year's data, the total pineapple cultivation area in Malaysia was 18,135 hectares, and it is not impossible for this figure to increase by 2030, with Sarawak targeting to expand its pineapple plantations to 20,000 hectares by then. He said this achievement, however, would not be possible without the continuous efforts of all parties, with modern technology, digitalisation, and the modernisation of farming practices being key to ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of the pineapple industry. 'Not only in the domestic market but also internationally, and most importantly, is the strong cooperation between the state government and LPNM,' he said, adding that it is not impossible for Sarawak to emerge as the country's main pineapple producer. At the event, the e-Pineapple system was also launched, making Sarawak the first state to pioneer its implementation — proving the state's readiness to face the challenges of digital transformation in the agri-food sector, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy agenda.
Borneo Post
20 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
LPNM: Sarawak ranks second nationally in pineapple cultivation
Mohd Khairuzamri (left) joins other distinguished guests during a visit to an exhibition booth at the event. – Photo by Chimon Upon KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 24): Sarawak has emerged as the second-largest pineapple-growing state in Malaysia, with a total cultivated area of 2,199.43 hectares as of 2024, according to the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM). LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M Saleh revealed the data during the official launch of the 'Program Hari Bertemu Pelanggan & Penyampaian Bantuan Insentif Projek LPNM Negeri Sarawak Tahun 2025' at the Sarawak State Farmers' Organisation hall here today. 'Sarawak has now emerged as one of the most progressive states in the development of the national pineapple industry. Based on 2024 data, the Land of the Hornbills ranks second after Johor in terms of pineapple cultivation area nationwide, with a total of 2,199.43 hectares. 'This shows that the target of 20,000 hectares of pineapple cultivation by 2030 is not just a vision, but a movement that is now beginning to bear fruit,' he said. Mohd Khairuzamri said that LPNM remains committed to supporting pineapple growers in the state through a comprehensive assistance package. 'Starting with the provision of planting materials such as MD2, Moris, and SG1, quality agricultural inputs, farm infrastructure, as well as technical services and monitoring, all these are offered as a comprehensive package to support our farmers in Sarawak in achieving a more stable income—reaching RM8,000 per month by 2025—in line with the Sarawak Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030),' he added. More than 200 participants from various backgrounds, including government agency representatives, pineapple entrepreneurs and interested growers, attended the event. 'This Customer Engagement Day is a strategic initiative to strengthen relationships and cooperation among various stakeholders in the pineapple industry — from farm operators, researchers, producers, and processors to exporters — with LPNM as the agency fully responsible for safeguarding the interests of the national pineapple industry. 'More than 200 individuals from diverse backgrounds are present today. This includes representatives from government agencies, pineapple entrepreneurs, and participants interested in tropical fruit cultivation. 'This is clear evidence that Malaysia's pineapple industry is gaining attention and recognition here in Sarawak,' said Mohd Khairuzamri. He added that the programme serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge, ideas, and solutions to current challenges such as food security, market competitiveness, climate change, and technological hurdles. 'Today, LPNM clients have the opportunity to engage directly with our officers, including those from our headquarters as well as the Sarawak state team,' he added. The event also featured the official launch of the e-Pineapple System by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development (M-Ficord) Datu Sirai Daha, who represented Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. 'The strong support from the Sarawak government is greatly appreciated and acts as a catalyst for us to advance the industry further,' said Mohd Khairuzamri. Throughout the day, several activities were held, including a stakeholder engagement session between LPNM and pineapple entrepreneurs, and an exhibition involving various agencies and companies such as Agrobank, Kolej ICATS, ACM Sdn Bhd, Queen Pineapple, Evergreen, and award-winning young entrepreneur Mohd Nasry Mohd Nasir, recipient of the Pro Tani Young Entrepreneur Award during the recent National Pineapple Day celebration. Mohd Khairuzamri expressed appreciation to the Sarawak government and all attendees for their support. 'Thank you for being part of this event. Stay with LPNM as we work together to build a brighter future for the pineapple industry in Sarawak,' he said.
Borneo Post
20 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dr Rundi: Dedicated pineapple processing plant to be established in Miri
Sirai (standing, centre) and Mohd Khairuzamri on his right in a group photo with LPNM Sarawak representatives and recipients of the 2025 project incentive grants at the event. – Photo by Chimon Upon KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 24): A dedicated pineapple processing plant will be established in Miri as part of Sarawak's long-term strategy to strengthen its position in the national and global pineapple industry, said Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said the plant will be a key component in completing the state's pineapple industry ecosystem. 'Intensive efforts are being made to realise the establishment of a pineapple processing plant in Miri. This plant will not only act as a catalyst for transforming the landscape of the pineapple industry in Sarawak but will also complete the industry's ecosystem by providing market assurance to producers. 'This is a symbol of our commitment to building a pineapple industry in Sarawak that is not only more modern and competitive, but also brings comprehensive benefits to the people and the state,' he said in his speech at the Program Bertemu Pelanggan & Penyampaian Bantuan Insentif Projek by the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Sarawak, held at Dewan Pertubuhan Peladang Negeri Sarawak here today. Dr Rundi's speech was delivered by his ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sirai Daha. Dr Rundi said the facility forms part of Sarawak's broader strategic direction under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which includes three major development packages: a Basic Incentive Package for smallholders, a Cluster Incentive Package for existing and new grower groups, and a Commercial Package targeting companies and commercial-scale producers. 'With this more inclusive policy framework, LPNM Sarawak is expected to receive a larger allocation under 13MP, paving the way for balanced development across the entire value chain—from cultivation and processing to marketing,' he said. Sarawak has also set a target to develop 20,000 hectares of pineapple plantations by 2030—contributing two-thirds of LPNM's national target of 30,000 hectares. 'With Malaysia's total pineapple cultivation area recorded at 18,135 hectares in 2024, I believe that achieving higher figures by 2030 is not impossible,' he added. He emphasised that success will depend on close collaboration among all stakeholders, especially between the Sarawak government and LPNM. 'Modern technology, digitalisation, and the transformation of farming practices are essential to sustaining and improving the competitiveness of our pineapple industry at both the national and international levels,' he said. Dr Rundi also revealed that over RM23 million has been allocated by LPNM this year to support the industry in Sarawak through the provision of planting materials, farm infrastructure, and research into pineapple waste for bioeconomy use. 'This includes assistance such as drainage systems, fencing, farm roads, temporary storage facilities, and micro-irrigation systems. Solar lighting is also being introduced under the Night Farming Programme to extend working hours in the field and enhance productivity,' he said. Earlier, he launched the e-Pineapple system, with Sarawak becoming the first state to implement the platform. 'This is a major step in embracing digital transformation within the agri-food sector and aligns with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy. 'The system enhances project administration, enables real-time collection of grower data, and allows for transparent and efficient monitoring. I believe it will serve as a model for other states,' he said. He also urged all participants—including researchers, educators, growers, and entrepreneurs—to continue supporting national efforts in elevating the pineapple industry. 'Today, we are the second-largest pineapple-producing state in Malaysia. One day, we may become number one—and even a global leader,' he said. The event also featured the presentation of project incentives to growers from Samarahan and Sibu divisions. Also present at the event were LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M. Saleh, Beting Maro assemblyman Razali Gapor, Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, and LPNM Sarawak director Mohd Nazaiful Azdi Rahman.
Borneo Post
21 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak leads digital transformation with e-Pineapple system
Sirai officiates the launch of the e-Pineapple System at the event on behalf of Dr Rundi, witnessed by other distinguished guests. – Photo by Chimon Upon KOTA SAMARAHAN (July 24): Sarawak has become the first state in Malaysia to pioneer the implementation of the e-Pineapple system, marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the national pineapple industry. Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the launch of the e-Pineapple system demonstrates Sarawak's readiness to embrace digitalisation in agrofood. 'Today also marks a significant milestone with the launch of the e-Pineapple System, with Sarawak becoming the first state to pioneer its implementation. 'This proves that Sarawak is ready to face the challenges of digital transformation in the agri-food sector, in line with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy agenda,' he said in his speech at the Program Hari Bertemu Pelanggan & Penyampaian Bantuan Insentif Projek of the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Sarawak 2025, held at the State Farmers' Organisation hall here today. Dr Rundi's speech was delivered by his ministry's permanent secretary Datu Sirai Daha. According to Dr Rundi, the e-Pineapple system will significantly improve project administration, streamline data collection on farmers and crop production, and enhance transparency and efficiency in project monitoring. 'I believe this system will be a model for other states,' he added. He also noted that the ministry is committed to advancing digitalisation across all aspects of the pineapple industry, including farm management and product processing, through the adoption of big data and analytics. 'With the use of big data and analytics, more accurate and efficient decisions can be made—from farm management to processing. 'Researchers and educators play a major role in supplying the data and knowledge required to ensure every decision is backed by evidence and the latest innovations,' he said. Dr Rundi said Sarawak is set to contribute 20,000 hectares of cultivated land toward the national target of 30,000 hectares under the LPNM by 2030. 'With Malaysia's total pineapple cultivation at 18,135 hectares in 2024, we believe this target is achievable,' he said. He pointed out that the pineapple industry in Sarawak is growing rapidly and is no longer a secondary crop but an emerging driver of the state's agricultural economy. 'Sarawak is not only rich in fertile land but also possesses extraordinary potential in high-value agriculture, such as pineapples. 'Through strategic collaboration between LPNM and the state government, we have seen various key initiatives implemented, including the Crop Incentive Programme, Farm Infrastructure Development, and Pineapple Waste Studies for bioeconomy purposes. This is in line with the government's direction in advancing modern, smart, and sustainable agriculture,' he said. Dr Rundi revealed that over RM23 million has been allocated by LPNM this year to support pineapple-related development in Sarawak. 'This is a major commitment that should be fully utilised by the people of Sarawak, especially young farmers who want to pursue agriculture as their primary career,' he said. Among the support provided are drainage systems for improved water control, fencing for farm security, farm road construction to ease transport, and temporary storage facilities to maintain fruit quality. In areas where needed, micro-irrigation systems are also provided. 'In line with modern agriculture, LPNM has introduced the installation of solar lights under the Night Farming Programme to help maximise productivity and improve operations for pineapple farmers in Sarawak,' he added. He also revealed that efforts are underway to establish a pineapple processing plant in Miri. 'This factory will not only serve as a catalyst for transforming the pineapple industry landscape in Sarawak, but it will also complete the industry ecosystem by providing market assurance to producers. 'This is a symbol of our commitment to building a pineapple industry in Sarawak that is not only more modern and competitive, but also brings comprehensive benefits to the people and the state,' he added. Also present at the event were LPNM director-general Mohd Khairuzamri M. Saleh, Beting Maro assemblyman Razali Gapor, Samarahan Division Resident Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, and LPNM Sarawak director Mohd Nazaiful Azdi Rahman.
