KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to empowering coastal communities through the production of downstream products by conducting various mentoring programmes involving research, entrepreneurship, and innovation in collaboration with higher education institutions in the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said workshops and hands-on training on the field are expected to not only strengthen the community’s agricultural skills but also help them explore the commercial potential of products that can be derived from local resources.
“In addition to agricultural innovation, another important aspect of the program is the production of downstream products that add value to local agricultural produce.
“This is crucial to ensure that the community does not only depend on raw agricultural products but is also capable of processing and selling more unique, high-value products that can be marketed outside of Sarawak.”
Abang Johari made the remarks in a text read by Simunjan assemblyman Awla Idris during the Phase 4 of the Coastal Village Community Empowerment Project Through Modern Agricultural Systems Programme here, Thursday(Nov 28).
Taking a close example, he said, through this programme, communities in coastal areas involved in the production of coconut, pineapple, terubuk fish, and other seafood will receive guidance on processing these products into long-lasting food and beverage products with high commercial value.
He noted that this innovation would also provide new employment opportunities within the community while empowering women and youth in this sector.
According to him, the community empowerment programme organized by the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak Samarahan Campus is in line with the Sarawak government’s goal of sustainable, innovative, and resilient economic development for the people of Sarawak through the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Additionally, he said the programme also stresses the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concepts and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Therefore, he suggested that this programme be expanded to other areas in Sarawak.
“With continuous support from UiTM Sarawak and close cooperation with the Sarawak government, we can ensure that more rural communities benefit from this innovation programme.
“Potential areas such as Batang Lupar, Betong, Limbang, and other rural areas could be the next beneficiaries of the agricultural innovation initiative, tailored to the local context.”
Earlier, the 2023-2024 community empowerment programme was participated by communities from Sebuyau, Gedong and Simunjan.
The ceremony was also attended by UiTM Sarawak deputy rector for research and industry networks, Professor Ir Dr Juferi Idris.
