By DayakDaily Team
DALAT, Aug 22: Dalat needs to increase the value of its local products through processing, branding, innovation, and access to wider markets to strengthen the local economy and create more opportunities for the community.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the agriculture, fisheries, agro-industry, entrepreneurship, and tourism sectors had the potential to be further developed based on the strengths and resources available in the district.
He said products produced in Dalat should not be confined to local markets but expanded throughout Sarawak and eventually to wider markets through improvements in quality, packaging, marketing, and the appropriate use of digital platforms.
“Dalat has its own strengths and resources, and we must continue to build on these strengths.
“In agriculture and resource-based activities, our objective should not be limited to producing raw materials, but creating greater value through processing, branding, innovation, and better market access,” he said at a meet-the-people programme today at Dalat Waterfront where he his text speech was read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, as reported by TVS.
Abang Johari said efforts to strengthen the local economy should also involve more entrepreneurs so they could grow from small businesses into stronger and more competitive enterprises.
He said government support through financing, training, digitalisation, marketing, and capacity building would remain important, alongside the willingness of local entrepreneurs to innovate and expand their businesses.
Meanwhile, he said the opening of the Organic Fertiliser Processing and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Breeding Farm in Dalat was a meaningful step towards strengthening the district’s agricultural value chain.
According to him, processing agricultural resources locally and producing high-value products could create new economic opportunities, strengthen the local supply chain, and increase the income potential of those involved in agriculture and livestock farming.
He said the development also had the potential to benefit farmers, livestock breeders, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and members of the local community.
At the same time, Abang Johari said Dalat’s development also needed to be supported by good infrastructure and connectivity, including roads, bridges, electricity and water supply, telecommunications, and reliable digital access.
He said good infrastructure would not only improve physical connectivity but also reduce the cost of doing business, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and improve access to education and healthcare.
“Dalat must continue to play its role in this journey by building local strengths, creating new economic opportunities and strengthening the wellbeing of its people,” he added.
He said development was not solely the responsibility of the government but required cooperation between the government, private sector, community leaders and the people.
Also present was Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development and Dalata assemblywoman Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. — DayakDaily
