(Kuching, 24th) Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi, stated that if Sarawak's traditional Tuak (rice wine) is to enter the international market, it must achieve a uniform and stable standard of quality comparable to internationally renowned wines.
He said that one of the main challenges currently faced by local Tuak is the lack of unified standards in taste and quality, with significant differences in the flavor profiles produced by different brewers.
“When you go to Australia, the wines produced locally have already met international standards, are globally recognized, and have the requisites for export. But our Tuak always remains just Tuak. Every time I visit a different longhouse or attend an event, the quality of the Tuak I taste is always different.”
“Some are sweet, some are bitter, and some are sour. Quality control is just the beginning of everything.”
He made these remarks yesterday at the Sarawak Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) 2026 Gala Dinner and Innovation Awards Ceremony held here.
Stephen Rundi pointed out that if Sarawak wishes to commercialize Tuak and develop it into an agricultural-based product that can be promoted beyond the local consumer market, stronger quality control is essential.
He emphasized that innovation and research must play a key role in enhancing the value of traditional products such as Tuak, transforming them into commodities with commercial potential.
To this end, he called on Research Officers (ROs) to deliver research outcomes that can be commercialized and to assist related products in establishing competitive advantages in the international market.
“I hope to see our research officers produce research outcomes that can be commercialized and applied in our global market promotion efforts.”
He said that if Sarawak’s traditional products are to have a place in the international market, quality improvement must be driven by results-oriented actions and continuous innovation.
On another note, at the Innovation Award Ceremony for 2026 held at the same event, the Department of Agriculture Sarawak (DOA) “Swift Revival” team won the championship and received an award of RM1,500; the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) “Lab Rangers 2.0” team was the runner-up (RM1,300 prize); and the “DVETS 2.0” team took third place (RM1,000 prize).
“When you go to Australia, the wines produced locally have already met international standards, are globally recognized, and have the requisites for export. But our Tuak always remains just Tuak. Every time I visit a different longhouse or attend an event, the quality of the Tuak I taste is always different.”
“Some are sweet, some are bitter, and some are sour. Quality control is just the beginning of everything.”
He made these remarks yesterday at the Sarawak Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) 2026 Gala Dinner and Innovation Awards Ceremony held here.
Stephen Rundi pointed out that if Sarawak wishes to commercialize Tuak and develop it into an agricultural-based product that can be promoted beyond the local consumer market, stronger quality control is essential.
He emphasized that innovation and research must play a key role in enhancing the value of traditional products such as Tuak, transforming them into commodities with commercial potential.
To this end, he called on Research Officers (ROs) to deliver research outcomes that can be commercialized and to assist related products in establishing competitive advantages in the international market.
“I hope to see our research officers produce research outcomes that can be commercialized and applied in our global market promotion efforts.”
He said that if Sarawak’s traditional products are to have a place in the international market, quality improvement must be driven by results-oriented actions and continuous innovation.
On another note, at the Innovation Award Ceremony for 2026 held at the same event, the Department of Agriculture Sarawak (DOA) “Swift Revival” team won the championship and received an award of RM1,500; the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) “Lab Rangers 2.0” team was the runner-up (RM1,300 prize); and the “DVETS 2.0” team took third place (RM1,000 prize).