Thursday, 14 August 2025

Author: Nura V Lorna

Over 900k hectares of NCR lands approved for agriculture projects

ABOUT 901,600 hectares of Native Customary Rights (NCR) land have been approved for various agriculture development projects, as of Oct 31.  Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that out of this total area, about 601,500 hectares have been developed with multiple crops

Cocoa Belt to increase local production

In a move to bolster the cocoa industry in Sarawak, the Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Ministry, in collaboration with the Malaysian Cocoa Board (LKM), plans to establish a dedicated Cocoa Belt.  According to Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, this belt will span from Asajaya to Simunjan,

Advanced farming improves crop growth

The Department of Agriculture (DOA) Sarawak is applying innovative methods such as fertigation, rain-shelter cultivation, and post-harvest treatment using Generally-Regarded-As-Safe (GRAS) salts to improve crop cultivation and extend the shelf life of fruits. Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom said that the department

Move to integrate ecotourism with agrotourism and geotourism 

THE Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts is set to formulate a state policy tool.  Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the tool will integrate ecotourism in rural community-based tourism areas with agrotourism and geotourism. This, he said, will foster economic synergy and expand markets for

Multi-million ringgit Gastronomy Centre ready in two years’ time

THE RM65 million Gastronomy Centre will be completed in 2025. Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim said the ground-breaking project stands as a testament to Kuching’s commitment to sustainable development. He assured that extensive groundwork is in progress, complemented by an awareness campaign publicised on

Multi-million ringgit Gastronomy Centre ready in two years’ time

THE RM65 million Gastronomy Centre will be completed in 2025. Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim said theground-breaking project stands as a testament to Kuching’s commitment to sustainable development. He assured that extensive groundwork is in progress, complemented by an awareness campaign publicised on www.kuchingcreativecity.com.  “Kuching’s membership of the UNESCO

Move to integrate ecotourism with agrotourism and geotourism

THE Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts is set to formulate a state policy tool.  Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the tool will integrate ecotourism in rural community-based tourism areas with agrotourism and geotourism. This, he said, will foster economic synergy and expand markets for local products. “Arising

Ministry stepping up shrimp, empurau and tapah belt growth

THE aquaculture sector in Sarawak is poised for rapid development in the endeavour to make Sarawak a net exporter of food by 2030. Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the ministry is accelerating the development of the inland fisheries sector through the

Agropark to produce high-value crops

THE Sg. Baji Agropark will commence operations in 2024, producing high-value crops.  Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the government has approved eight sites for the development of agroparks throughout Sarawak, in addition to the development of two agrotechnology parks.  In light