DALAT: Sarawak aims to empower the sago industry and boost the income of industry players across the supply chain with the establishment of the Sarawak Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB).

According to Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, his Ministry has identified Mukah Division as the primary region for high-quality sago and nipah yields, covering approximately 32,000 hectares.

“We aim to promote and increase awareness of the importance of sago as a sustainable crop to address food security and renewable energy challenges.

“This is why the Sarawak Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB) was discussed and approved in the previous state assembly session—to empower the sago industry and boost the income of those involved,” he said.

He said this in his speech at the Closing Ceremony of the Balau Dalat Carnival 2024, representing Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.

Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi expressed his hope that farmers, growers, and breeders will gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage their income effectively, enabling them to succeed through more organised and systematic approaches.

“It is not just about achieving results and then spending impulsively without proper management.

“The assistance provided is intended to help recipients improve their yields and earnings, rather than continuously depending on government aid,” he added.

Also present at the ceremony were the Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Balingian Assemblyman, Abdul Yakub Arbi, and Mukah Division Resident, Datu Kueh Lei Poh.-UKASnews