(Kuching, 15th) The Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development (Kementerian Industri Makanan, Komoditi dan Pembangunan Wilayah, MFICORD) has proposed the establishment of a dedicated unit responsible for managing seasonal fruits to ensure a more systematic and effective management and marketing of Sarawak’s seasonal fruits.
The Minister, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, pointed out that this move is crucial in avoiding waste of agricultural produce and to ensure that products such as durians, rambutans, and dabai can be marketed all year round.
He said: "We must move towards downstream industry development. Durians can be processed into pulp, ice cream, and more; dabai can also be cut and processed for sale.
"My responsibility is to ensure the market is in place and there is sufficient product supply."
He made these remarks last night at the “2026 Outstanding Primary Agricultural Industry Dinner” held here.
He added that although the output of seasonal fruits is considerable, current management still lacks a systematic approach, so it is necessary to establish a dedicated unit for supervision, ensuring that all yields are optimally utilized.
He said: "Some areas such as Bintulu and Sibu have shown great output potential, but there are still some fruits left abandoned by the roadside.
"This makes one feel guilty and regretful, because we keep asking farmers to continue producing, yet fail to properly manage these seasonal harvests."
In addition, he also mentioned the importance of technology and innovation in the management of seasonal agricultural products.
He said: "Technology is crucial. The agriculture sector should adopt new methods, such as mechanization and breeding selection, in order to elevate our country’s agricultural industry to a higher level of development."
The Minister, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, pointed out that this move is crucial in avoiding waste of agricultural produce and to ensure that products such as durians, rambutans, and dabai can be marketed all year round.
He said: "We must move towards downstream industry development. Durians can be processed into pulp, ice cream, and more; dabai can also be cut and processed for sale.
"My responsibility is to ensure the market is in place and there is sufficient product supply."
He added that although the output of seasonal fruits is considerable, current management still lacks a systematic approach, so it is necessary to establish a dedicated unit for supervision, ensuring that all yields are optimally utilized.
He said: "Some areas such as Bintulu and Sibu have shown great output potential, but there are still some fruits left abandoned by the roadside.
"This makes one feel guilty and regretful, because we keep asking farmers to continue producing, yet fail to properly manage these seasonal harvests."
In addition, he also mentioned the importance of technology and innovation in the management of seasonal agricultural products.
He said: "Technology is crucial. The agriculture sector should adopt new methods, such as mechanization and breeding selection, in order to elevate our country’s agricultural industry to a higher level of development."