MIRI: Sarawak holds strong potential to generate lucrative income through the development of downstream industries, provided the value chain of local products is strengthened with a comprehensive and integrated strategy.
According to Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, commodities such as black pepper, which are produced in large quantities in Sarawak, have yet to reach their true commercial value due to a lack of value-added processing and marketing.
He said that the main issue hindering the growth of the local food industry is not demand, but the inconsistent supply of raw materials, including products such as eggs and pepper.
“Sarawak produces 98 per cent of Malaysia’s black pepper, yet we only record an income of around RM153 million a year.
“In reality, the true potential of downstream products from pepper could reach up to RM2.2 billion.
“The demand is certainly there, but the challenge lies in how we can ensure a consistent supply of raw materials.
“For example, you can’t just make kek lapis with omega eggs; it requires specific and consistent ingredients,” he said.
He said this in his speech during a working visit to a tahai fish processing operator and the Siti Payung Sarawak Kek Lapis Gallery and Museum today.
He added that the Department of Agriculture must play a vital role in formulating a comprehensive plan to build a stable supply chain, from farm to market.
“We cannot rely too heavily on foreign countries for basic supplies.
“There must be a back-up plan and strategic planning to ensure food security and the sustainability of our local industries,” he said.
Dr Rundi also commended the role of young people in developing food industries based on local products and praised the success of Siti Payung in marketing more than 21 types of kek lapis at the international level.
He also urged local entrepreneurs to continue improving the quality of their products and to leverage digital marketing strategies to expand their market reach globally.
