Dr Annuar wants R&D to benefit small entrepreneurs
SIBU: Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee has urged higher educational institutions to conduct more Research & Development ( R& D) especially on food packaging that could benefit local entrepreneurs.
For example, ‘pulut panggang’ is very popular in Sibu but can’t be marketed widely in the state because it uses coconut milk and leaves which will only last for one or two days.
Dr Annuar Rapaee, Nangka assemblyman
Food producers usually face problem in expanding their market because of their lack of expertise in packaging, Dr Annuar said when representing Assistant Minister of Industrial Development ( Investment and Promotion) Datuk Julaihi Narawi in closing a seminar hosted by the Ministry of Higher Education ( MOHE) here yesterday.
“For example, ‘pulut panggang’ is very popular in Sibu but can’t be marketed widely in the state because it uses coconut milk and leaves which will only last for one or two days.
“If this problem can be resolved through R& D by researchers at our universities, probably in the packaging method, cooking or preparation to make it more lasting, it will greatly benefit our local entrepreneurs,” he said.
Also present were Deputy Secretary- General (Administration) to the Ministry of Higher Education ( MOHE) Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, Sibu Deputy Resident ( Social) Dr Zufar Yadi Brendan, Head of Entrepreneurship & PPRN Unit in the Ministry of Higher Education Datin Dr Syahira Hamidon and Associate Professor Dr Hajah Rashidah Mahdi from Universiti Teknologi Mara Sarawak.