Sarawak to become exporter of agro-based products
KUCHING: Sarawak could become a major agro-based product exporter with its indigenous fruits that have high commercial potential.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said his ministry was looking to set up several agriculture produce collection centres across the state for export to the peninsula and foreign markets.
The two areas that have been earmarked are Sibu and Kapit, in the central region.
He described the seasonal Sarawak dabai, scientifically known as Carnarium Odontophyllum Miq, which is exclusive to Sarawak, as being intellectual property with a high commercial potential.
Ahmad Shabery said that recent studies have found the dabai to be high in anti-oxidants.
Researchers also found that when kept in cold storage for almost a year, there was no noticeable changes to the fruit.
Two years ago, Sarawak Agriculture Department had also launched the dabai-flavoured ice cream.
Ahmad Shabery also referred to Musang King as well as the red flesh durian and Sarawak bananas as other exotic fruits in the state.
“Most people may see these fruits as exotic food but intensive research has helped us find other added value of these fruits.
“Therefore, there is a need to build collection centres to gather these fruits. It would be a place to manage logistic and delivery, to check on availability and prices.
“They will also act as the export centres,” Shabery told reporters after the fourth anniversary celebration of Medan Niaga Satok here yesterday.
Ahmad Shabery said Sarawak, with its vast landmass, has a great potential to become an important state to spur the growth of agrobased and food industries in Malaysia.
The ministry is looking forward to strengthen agriculture and agrobased activities in the state not only to help small-scale farmers but also to introduce commercial and industrial-based farming, he added.
The RM46mil Satok market complex, equipped with 1,097 trading lots, including a cafeteria, surau, food and beverage premises, dry and wet markets, is considered the largest market in the country.
According to the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority, Medan Niaga Satok generated total sales up to RM207mil between January 2013 and December last year.