Sarawak's Palm Oil Industry Becomes More Sustainable, Says Premier: Multifunctional Capabilities

(Kuching, 24th) Sarawak's palm oil industry has now become more sustainable as it not only focuses on crude oil production but also strengthens its potential through various high-potential downstream activities.

This approach not only increases the industry's value but also helps boost crop-based income.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari said that in the past, the palm oil industry was more inclined to sell oil only. However, now with technological advancement, palm oil can also be used to produce biofuel for aircraft and as a food source for livestock.

He stated that this move aligns with Sarawak's development policy based on the circular economy, encouraging the reuse of materials to reduce excessive waste disposal and avoid negative environmental impacts.

“Sarawak currently places great emphasis on the 'waste-to-energy' industry, where waste will be transformed into renewable materials that the public can purchase in the form of other products. Earlier, I saw that we have two products (from palm fruit waste), the first is biofuel and livestock feed, including fertilizer.”

Abang Johari mentioned this in his speech at the opening of the Isirung Pelumat factory (KCP) in Lubok Antu today.

He stated that environmentally-friendly products currently sell at high prices in the global market, and this has become one of Sarawak's new sources of income.

He clearly stated that Sarawak is focused on converting waste into downstream products through circular economy practices to produce environmentally-friendly products.

Regarding other developments, Abang Johari, at a press briefing after the event, also urged farmers and breeders in the region to continue exploring new ideas to add value to existing commodities.

He explained that if implemented, Sarawak's dream of increasing household income by 2030 and becoming an exporter of crop and livestock products could be realized.

“Most of our farmers own two hectares of land, and if it does not affect their crops, the space between oil palm trees can be used for animal rearing. We now use alternative food sources, such as mixed palm oil waste with Napier grass, instead of relying on pasture to feed livestock.”

Therefore, he said this will increase our farmers' income, as they will have two new income sources, one from palm oil and the other from livestock.