TATAU: Oil palm continues to stand as a key catalyst in uplifting rural livelihoods, with its prices holding steady and expected to climb further amid global geopolitical uncertainties, particularly in the Middle East.
Minister in the Premier’s Department, Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai said the commodity remains a reliable source of income for rural communities while also contributing to renewable energy through eco-friendly biodiesel production.
“Oil palm is not only a main source of income, but it also supports the development of renewable energy,” he said when officiating the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) at Rumah Lenny Diana, Rantau Tajak on Friday (Apr 10) as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS).
Sikie said assistance for oil palm cultivation will continue to be extended, particularly to those who have yet to plant the crop.
“This will help in opening up new income streams and strengthening economic resilience at the grassroots level,” he said.
At the same time, Sikie pointed to the growing potential of Liberica coffee as a premium product capable of penetrating the global market.
He said both oil palm and coffee industries will remain a focus under initiatives by the Mid Rajang Regional Development Agency (MiRRDA), aimed at boosting rural income.
“The community must tap into their existing skills, especially in producing traditional delicacies, and scale them into the small and medium industry (SMI) sector. Products like chilli sauce and cakes have strong commercial value and can further enhance the worth of local agricultural produce,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senior Assistant Director of the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, Peter Jarit, who represented the department’s director, revealed that four AgriCOP programmes have been rolled out in the N60 Kakus constituency, with the Tatau edition marking its first in the district.
He said the programme featured hands-on courses in chilli processing and oil palm management, aimed at equipping participants with practical knowledge to improve yields and farming efficiency.
Also present were Bintulu Division Agriculture Officer, Jackson Nanta Bernabas Baie, and Tatau District Office Administrative Officer, Raden Azamry Raden Perhan.
