By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 12: Sarawak has recorded a food trade deficit of RM6.44 billion in 2024, underscoring the State’s heavy reliance on imported food products and the pressing need to enhance local agricultural output.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) report, Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the Sarawak government remains committed to transforming the agriculture sector through technology-driven initiatives to boost local food production and reduce import dependency.
“Agriculture must move towards modern, technology-based systems to ensure long-term food security,” he said in a speech delivered on his behalf by his deputy, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, at the Regional Agriculture Conference in Sibu on Saturday (May 10).
The conference brought together more than 700 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in advancing the agriculture sector.
Dr Rundi further stressed the importance of the youth’s participation in agriculture by redefining it as a viable and lucrative professional career.
“We want to change the perception of agriculture. Young people must now see this sector as one that offers promising futures and high-income opportunities,” he added.
Among the government’s key initiatives are the development of agroparks, aquaculture parks, the Sarawak Agrotechnology Park (SARTECH), and commercial paddy irrigation infrastructure.
The State is also working to strengthen local seed industries and biosecurity measures.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek and Bawang Assan assemblyman Wong Soon Koh were also present.
According to Bernama, Sarawak recorded a food trade deficit of RM6.44 billion, with import values reaching RM7.62 billion compared to exports of only RM1.18 billion. — DayakDaily
