KUCHING: Transforming agriculture into a business enterprise is crucial for driving Sarawak's economy and ensuring its growth as a high-income state, with the Sarawak Government remaining committed to increasing household income by focusing on the agricultural sector.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the agriculture sector has contributed about RM15 billion or 10.6 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Sarawak in 2023.
According to him, agriculture is seen as more of an intervention, something that can be developed into a commercial community.
"Therefore, we need to enhance the concept of agriculture as a business enterprise. When considered as a business enterprise, all aspects of the economy or culture should evolve.
"I want to focus on paddy because rice is our staple food," he said.
He said this during the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) Sarawak held at a leading hotel here, on Monday.
According to Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari, the Sarawak Government requires three key criteria in workers consisting of individuals with strong qualities, particularly those proficient in technology, psychology experts who can transform societal mindsets, and individuals who consistently generate new ideas.
He envisioned that in the next 50 years, DOA could become a facilitator, with agriculture serving as an economic sector driven by technology and business enterprises.
"This will be part of our efforts to export our products internationally, allowing us to benefit from foreign exchange.
"Sarawak will emerge as a leading, high-income state, with its people enjoying high incomes as well," he added.
During the ceremony, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari was honoured with the 100-Year Special Award of the Department of Agriculture.
Additionally, the 'Anugerah Jasa Bakti' in conjunction with the department's 100th anniversary was presented to 10 former Directors of Agriculture Sarawak, including Datuk Joseph Kong Teck Chong, Andrew Tan Chiok Chiew, Datu Henry Bakit Jantum, Julaihi Ismail, Edwin Liew Chung Hiun, William Chang Wei Say, Datu Mohd Sepuan Anu, Paul Vincent Ritom, Datu Lai Kui Fong, and Dr Alvin Chai Lian Kuet.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Former Deputy Chief Ministers of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. George Chan Hong Nam and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Alfred Jabu Numpang, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD), Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department, Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Ministers, Sarawak Attorney General, Dato Sri Saferi Ali, Sarawak Financial Secretary, Dato Sri Dr. Wan Lizozman Wan Omar, Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Administration), Datu Buckland Bangik, Permanent Secretary of M-FICORD, Datu Sirai Daha, DOA Sarawak Director, Dominic Chunggat and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
