DALAT: Dalat’s vast potential in agriculture, fisheries, agro-industry, entrepreneurship and tourism must be harnessed to create new economic opportunities and improve the wellbeing of its communities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the district’s development was in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which focuses on economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
He said these aspirations must be translated into tangible opportunities at the district and community levels by empowering residents to become entrepreneurs, workers, investors and community leaders who could drive local economic growth.
“Dalat holds vast potential in the agriculture, fisheries, agro-industry, entrepreneurship, and tourism sectors, as well as various economic activities based on local resources.
“With these advantages, Dalat must continue to be developed to create new economic opportunities and enhance the wellbeing of the community,” he said.
He said this in a speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the ‘Majlis Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat’ event for Dalat District at Tebingan Dalat on Saturday (Aug 22).
Abang Johari said development should not be confined to the production of raw materials, but must focus on value-added activities through processing, branding, innovation and wider market access.
“In relation, local products from Dalat ought to be marketed throughout Sarawak and beyond, instead of being confined merely to district or local markets,” he said.
He added that improving product quality, attractive packaging, effective marketing strategies and the use of digital platforms could help local products penetrate wider markets.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari said youths must play an active role in Dalat’s economic transformation by viewing agriculture, entrepreneurship, technology and the digital economy as fields capable of providing sustainable careers and incomes.
Touching on Phase 3 of Tebingan Dalat, he said the project reflected the Sarawak Government’s commitment to providing quality public spaces that could serve not only as infrastructure but also as catalysts for social, cultural, tourism and economic activities.
He also described the opening of the Organic Fertiliser and Animal Feed Processing Centre as a vital step in strengthening Dalat’s agricultural value chain.
According to him, the facility would enable agricultural resources to be processed locally into high value-added products, creating new economic opportunities while boosting the income potential of farmers, livestock breeders and entrepreneurs.
“By processing these resources locally and producing high value-added products, we can strengthen the local supply chain while increasing the income potential of those involved in agricultural and livestock activities,” he said.
Earlier, Dr Sim officiated the Organic Fertiliser Processing Centre and Phase 3 of the Dalat Waterfront Beautification project.
