By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 31: The Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) and i-CATS University College have inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create a strategic collaboration between both parties to improve the State’s pineapple industry.
According to a new report by the Sarawak Communications Unit (Ukas) today, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg received a courtesy visit by LPNM chairman Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday (May 30).
“The Sarawak Premier previously expressed his commitment to expanding pineapple cultivation in Sarawak to 20,000 hectares by 2030, and we are very excited and grateful,” said Sheikh Umar when met by reporters and expressed LPNM’s willingness to offer assistance and put in efforts to support the region’s aspirations.
According to Sheikh Umar, LPNM and i-CATS University College have agreed to work together on information exchange, technical skills, and research that are specifically related to the pineapple industry in Sarawak.
Abang Johari, who is also the Chancellor of i-CATS University College, witnessed the signing of the MOU by Sheikh Umar, LPNM Director General, Mohd Khairuzamri M Salleh with I-CATS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Shahren Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce alongside Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry, Community Engagement, and Commercialisation), and Associate Professor Leo Sing Lim.
Also present at the MoU signing were Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahmah Ismail and LPNM East Region Director Mohammad Suffian Sahmat.
According to another news report by Ukas, the Sarawak Premier also received a courtesy call from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Sarawak on the same day.
The visit took place to inform Abang Johari about JBPM Department Director Datu Khirudin Drahman Hussaini’s transfer and promotion to the position of Director of the Fire Safety Division at the JBPM Headquarters in Putrajaya.
The position of the JBPM Sarawak Director will be temporarily passed to the Deputy Director, Tiong Ling Hii, until the position is permanently filled, said Khiruddin when met by reporters.
He also added that the benchmarking programmes that the JBPM Sarawak organised have gained national attention, in turn demonstrating the commitment and efforts of the establishment to raise safety awareness and preparedness to handle fire-related issues within the community.
“If these (benchmarking) programmes continue, we can ensure a resilient community when facing disasters,” Khiruddin said.
Also present during the JBPN visit were Tiong, Assistant Director of Fire and Rescue Operations, Henderi Ardimansyah, and Assistant Director of Fire Safety, Mohamad Fauzi Mohamat Kifli. — DayakDaily
