By DayakDaily Team
BETONG, Sept 17: Sarawak’s pivotal role in determining the future of Malaysia’s pepper industry underscores the need for the sector to shift from simply increasing production to producing higher-quality and higher-value products that can deliver better returns to farmers.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said almost the entire area under pepper cultivation in Malaysia was located in Sarawak, making the State central to efforts to strengthen the industry and enhance the value of its produce.
She said the success of the agricommodity sector should not be measured solely by production volume, but also by the value ultimately generated for farmers.
“Malaysia’s strength lies in the quality and identity of Sarawak pepper, which has the potential to penetrate the international premium market,” she said when speaking at the Pepper Industry Sustainability Seminar at Spaoh Community Hall here today.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii and Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom were present.
As an example, Noraini said Malaysia exported 12.8 tonnes of Cream White Pepper worth RM1.024 million from 2022 to May last year, including to Japan and Vietnam, while also receiving enquiries from Scandinavian countries.
“When the quality meets market demand, the country’s pepper can be marketed at a higher value,” she said
Noraini said that under the Pepper Planting Sustainability Programme in Malaysia, the government aims to expand premium pepper cultivation by 750 hectares (ha), while managing 800ha of mature pepper plants, with emphasis on improving yields, quality and farmers’ incomes.
She said Sarawak’s dominant position in Malaysia’s pepper industry also required continuous cooperation between the federal government and the Sarawak government to ensure its sustainable development.
In Betong alone, there are 5,070 pepper farmers cultivating 1,102.8ha, making pepper an important source of income for the local community.
Noraini said the industry must also accelerate the adoption of technology, expand premium pepper production and strengthen downstream value-added activities.
“The ultimate goal is not merely to produce more pepper, but to build a stronger and more sustainable industry that generates better returns for farmers,” she said. — Bernama
