‘Kpg Selanyau shows potential to be ‘kelulut’ honey processing hub’
MIRI: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas is keen to see the development of a ‘ kelulut’ ( a species of stingless bee) honey processing centre in Kampung Selanyau, Bekenu near here.
According to him, the centre would not only act as the sales, collection and research hub for this honey variety, but also boost rural tourism.
Uggah pointed out that he has instructed the Agriculture Department to conduct research and also provide feedback regarding the establishment of the kelulut honey processing centre at the village.
“The establishment of kelulut honey processing centre here would enable the farmers to produce higher quality products, which can last longer with proper packaging. We would also assist them (farmers) in searching for suitable markets to sell their products which in turn, would help boost their income.
“I hope the kelulut industry would continue to flourish. We also hope to turn Bekenu into a popular honey production area, ( known) not only in Malaysia, but also overseas,” he said during a visit to a kelulut bee farm in Kampung Selanyau recently.
Uggah, who is also the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, also encouraged rural farmers to plant more varieties of vegetables and fruit trees.
“The Department of Agriculture will look into the variety of vegetables and fruits suitable for planting here.
“We also hope that every household would be able to utilise their land better by growing various cash crops which would help the state government achieve the goal of transforming Sarawak into a net exporter of food products by 2030,” he said.
Back on kelulut industry, Uggah pointed out the rearing of this species of stingless bee as one of the projects proposed by the Highland Development Agency ( HAD) aimed at generating a greater pace of socio- economic development.
“We are encouraging rural farmers to breed kelulut colonies ( for their honey). The ultimate goal is to improve the standard of living of rural communities,” he stressed.
Uggah said his ministry received a courtesy call from a delegation representing Yunnan Agriculture University ( YAU), led by its president Prof Sheng Jun, at his office in Kuching recently.
“One of the research works that they want to take under is kelulut. According to them, the honey from this bee species has lots of good qualities and they hope to be able to develop and market this product further. They will do the analysis to see the kind of nutrients in kelulut honey.
“If we could establish this, I’m very positive that it would be a very positive industry for Sarawak,” he added.
Uggah was accompanied by Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni, Bekenu assemblywoman Rosey Yunus, Lambir assemblyman Ripin Lamat, as well as local representatives of Department of Veterinary Services and Department of Agriculture.