KUCHING: Sarawak Agrofest 2026 (SAF2026) is set to take place at the Old Bintulu Airport from Sept 25 to Oct 4, with organisers targeting 800,000 visitors and RM6.5 million in sales.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the sixth edition of the festival carries the theme “Innovating Agriculture for Food Security”.
“The theme focuses on transforming the local agri-food sector through the adoption of smart technologies, automation, digitalisation and the strengthening of a sustainable food supply chain to address food security challenges, particularly in Sarawak,” he told a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today (June 23).
Dr Rundi said the opening ceremony will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Sept 28, with an estimated attendance of 5,000 guests.
He described Sarawak Agrofest as more than just a sales festival, saying it serves as a critical government platform to drive the transformation of the agricultural sector from traditional practices to high-technology agribusiness models.
“In line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, our main focus is to ensure Sarawak develops a sustainable food security ecosystem while elevating local agropreneurs to the global stage.
“We call on all Sarawakians, industry players, and domestic as well as international investors to join us in making SAF2026 in Bintulu a success,” he said.
This year’s festival will feature a more comprehensive range of exhibition zones, including the Exhibition Pavilion showcasing government and private sector agencies and services, AgroTrade, AgroFresh, AgroTech, AgroInput, Peladang e-Shop, Sarawak Kitchen, Rice Pavilion, Fisheries Pavilion, Pineapple Pavilion, Commodity Pavilion, Sago and Nipah Pavilion, Livestock Pavilion, and Smart Agriculture Pavilion.
Dr Rundi said that the third edition of the Congress on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security (COSAFS 2026) will be held from Aug 3 to 6 at the Imperial Hotel, Bintulu.
Organised in collaboration with the Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus, the congress will carry the theme “Feeding the Future, Fostering Sustainable Food.”
Meanwhile, sales of exhibition spaces for entrepreneurs will officially open on July 2.
“The ministry welcomes participation from private companies, entrepreneurs and agri-food industry players to take part in the exhibitions and activities organised throughout the festival,” he said.
He added that SAF2026 will also serve as a platform to recognise excellence within Sarawak’s agricultural community through a series of awards honouring outstanding agropreneurs, youth agropreneurs, food crop entrepreneurs, agro-based industry operators, inland fisheries entrepreneurs, farmers’ organisations and livestock breeders.
The awards, he said, are intended to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and greater participation in the state’s agricultural sector as Sarawak continues its efforts to strengthen food security and modernise its agri-food industry.
