By Karen Bong
BINTULU, Aug 23: Sarawak will establish a dedicated cargo plane under Air Borneo to transport the State’s agricultural produce to Singapore, which will serve as the central distribution hub for the region.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said an ATR aircraft will be converted into a cargo plane to ensure the speedy delivery of Sarawak’s food products, particularly fresh produce, to the island republic in just over an hour’s flight.
“This means that every early morning, our fresh products can be delivered directly to Singapore, ensuring freshness and reliability,” he said when officiating Sarawak Agrofest 2025 at Bintulu Old Airport today, which was broadcasted live through Ukas Channel.
Abang Johari explained that the initiative, planned under the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (STATOS), will initially focus on Singapore due to its heavy reliance on external food sources, particularly fresh vegetables, which are currently supplied from Cameron Highlands.
“With the success of fertigation methods, Sarawak has the capacity to export organic food products to Singapore. For example, we already have terung asam (sour brinjal) producers exporting to Singapore and Brunei. These are among the examples that showcase our potential,” he added.
The Premier also revealed that Tanjung Manis has been identified as another key agricultural hub, not only for rice but also pineapple cultivation. The Malaysian Pineapple Board is expanding its presence into Sarawak, bringing along its budget allocation from the federal government.
“Eventually, pineapples from Tanjung Manis will also be exported to markets such as Singapore,” he said, stressing that Sarawak’s population of three million will allow for a surplus of produce in the long run.
Abang Johari urged the private sector to take a proactive role in exploring new opportunities and growing the food industry, assuring that the Sarawak government under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) will continue to implement clear policies, methods and directions for the people’s benefit.
“We have strength, and we have stability. What we need is to transform our mindset, embrace new ideas, and strengthen our economy so its benefits are shared with the people,” he said.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Malaysia Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
