by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 12: Sarawak has the potential to generate decent income with commodities such as Sarawak’s black pepper capable of pulling in RM2.2 billion if its value chain is strengthened through integrated and strategic downstream development, said Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
According to a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas), he pointed out that commodities such as black pepper which are produced on a large scale in Sarawak have yet to achieve their true commercial value due to the lack of value addition in processing and marketing.
He emphasised that the main problem hindering the development of the local food industry is not in terms of demand, but constraints in terms of inconsistent supply of raw materials, including for products such as eggs and pepper.
“Sarawak produces 98 per cent of Malaysia’s black pepper, but we only record an income of around RM153 million per year. In fact, the real potential through downstream products from pepper can reach up to RM2.2 billion.
“The demand is there, but the challenge is how we can ensure that this raw material supply is consistent. For example, layer cakes cannot be made at will with omega eggs, it requires certain ingredients that are accurate and consistent,” he said during a working visit to the tahai fish paste operator and the Sarawak Layer Cake Gallery & Museum Siti Payung, in Miri today.
In this regard, Dato Sri Dr Rundi added that the Agriculture Department must play an important role in putting together a comprehensive plan to build a stable supply chain, from the farm level to the market.
“We cannot be too dependent on foreign countries for basic supplies. There needs to be a ‘back-up plan’ and strategic planning to ensure food safety and the survival of the local industry,” he said.
He also called on local entrepreneurs to continue to improve product quality and take advantage of digital marketing strategies to expand market reach globally. – DayakDaily
