A NEW pineapple processing factory in Sungai Tukau, Miri is poised to accelerate downstream activities and strengthen Sarawak’s pineapple supply chain.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the facility, developed under ProTINAS, focuses on the SG1 variety and supports the state’s pineapple industry.
He said Sarawak is progressing toward the PCDS 2030 target of cultivating 20,000 hectares of pineapple, aided by a RM50.3 million allocation channelled through the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) and Department of Agriculture Sarawak, which expanded planted areas from 2,100 hectares in 2024 to 3,300 hectares in 2025.
“Downstream activities are also growing, with a private processing facility in Sibu producing pineapple tarts and the Meradong Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK Meradong) venturing into dried pineapple production,” he said in his ministerial winding-up speech during the DUN Sitting on Tuesday (Dec 2).
“As for coconut, Sarawak has cultivated 9,300 hectares as of 2024, supported by RM13.4 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan benefiting 1,000 smallholders.”
He said under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), RM33 million will support 960 hectares of new areas, 345 hectares of rehabilitation, and the strengthening of six planting material stations.
“FAMA Sarawak also purchased 352 metric tonnes worth RM376,000, with exports beginning in 2025 at 19 metric tonnes valued at RM24,000.
“For durian and banana, 11,400 hectares and 2,600 hectares respectively have been developed. Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, RM3.09 million supported 253 hectares of new durian areas involving 257 smallholders, while RM3.90 million developed 319 hectares of banana areas benefiting 336 smallholders.
“Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, RM9.25 million will support 228 hectares of fruit crop development involving about 343 participants.”
