BINTULU: Sarawak continues to move forward in strengthening the local food industry when SEDC Sarawak subsidiary, PPES Ternak Sdn. Bhd. launched a new range of Sara-Bif Corned Beef and Lamb Premium products inspired by international tastes during the recent Sarawak Agrofest 2025.

The launch ceremony was officiated by the Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom who also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Agriculture Sarawak and Advansia (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. for the development of high-quality white rice seeds.

The new Sara-Bif product introduces nine premium flavour variations, including Corned Lamb, Kabsah Corned Lamb, Blackpepper, Garlic, Chili & Onion, Gochujang, Hot & Spicy, Smoky BBQ and Curry.

All products use selected beef and lamb from Australia and New Zealand, enriched with native Sarawak spices and are Halal and MeSTI certified.

According to PPES Ternak, this product will be available in the market starting early September 2025 at all Sara-Bif Premium branches and major supermarkets throughout Sarawak.

Meanwhile in a press conference, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi stressed that the launch of local products such as Sara-Bif is part of the state government's efforts to strengthen a complete food supply chain.

He said that food security is very important not only in terms of sufficient supply but also to reduce the country's import-export deficit which currently reaches RM7.6 billion.

"With investors and product development companies which currently include 12 companies involved in the development of the rice industry, Sarawak has the potential to become the rice bowl of Malaysia," he said.

He added that the MoU between the Department of Agriculture and Advansia (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. is an initial step in producing the best white rice seeds that can increase production.

This effort has also been extended to research and development (R&D) of livestock breeds to ensure a more sustainable local meat supply. -UKASnews