SIBU: Sarawak registered a food trade deficit of RM6.44 billion in 2024, underscoring the state’s heavy reliance on imported food products and the pressing need to enhance local agricultural output.

Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the Sarawak government remains committed to transforming the agriculture sector through technology-driven initiatives to boost local food production and reduce import dependency.

“Agriculture must move towards modern, technology-based systems to ensure long-term food security,” he said in a speech delivered on his behalf by Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail at the Regional Agriculture Conference held at Hotel Kingwood Sibu on Saturday.

The conference brought together more than 700 participants from Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, serving as a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in advancing the agriculture sector.

Dato Sri Dr Stephen further stressed the importance of attracting youth into agriculture by redefining it as a viable and lucrative professional career.

“We want to change the perception of agriculture. Young people must now see this sector as one that offers promising futures and high-income opportunities,” he added.

Among the government’s key initiatives are the development of Agroparks, Aquaculture Parks, the Sarawak Agrotechnology Park (SARTECH), and commercial paddy irrigation infrastructure.

The state is also working to strengthen local seed industries and biosecurity measures.

Also present were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, Bawang Assan assemblyman Wong Soon Koh, and other invited guests. -UKASnews