MIRI: The planter community in Miri Division is urged to be more prepared to face the changing global landscape and the challenges of climate change by switching to a modern and sustainable agricultural approach.

The recommendation was delivered by Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin when officiating the 2026 Chinese New Year Luncheon and the Swearing-in Ceremony of the New Committee organised by the Sarawak Miri Division Planters Association at the Boulevard Restaurant, here, on Sunday.

According to him, the agricultural sector forms the main foundation for Sarawak's development and plays a strategic role in ensuring food security and the state's economic stability.

"Our goal is not just to increase production, but also to strengthen the level of self-sufficiency (SSL) and ensure that food security is always guaranteed. The uncertainty of the global supply chain proves that we must be more independent in food production," he said.

The Senadin Assemblyman explained that the agricultural sector is currently facing various challenges including climate change, increasing global food demand and increasingly fierce international market competition.

In this regard, Dato Sri Lee stressed the need to transform the agricultural sector as a whole to make it more modern, competitive and sustainable.

The traditional small-scale approach, he said, needs to shift to a modern enterprise model based on technology, systematic management and large-scale operations.

In an effort to strengthen the sector, the Sarawak Government is implementing various initiatives including the development of the paddy industry, the establishment of agricultural parks, the implementation of the Sarawak Agricultural Technology Park (Sartech), the development of precision agriculture parks and aquaculture parks.

In addition, through the public-private-community partnership (PPCP) model, private sector participation is encouraged to develop a more comprehensive and integrated agricultural ecosystem.

In terms of the supply chain, the government is developing a collection, processing and packaging centre (CPPC) and agricultural jetty infrastructure to increase logistics efficiency and added value of agricultural products.

He also stressed that agricultural transformation requires the involvement of young people who are tech-savvy and skilled in the fields of data, automation, digital marketing and modern management.

The use of drones, automatic irrigation systems, data analysis and e-commerce platforms are among the important elements in the implementation of smart agriculture today.

Also present were Miri City Mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, Miri Division Planters Association Chairman Chin Vui Min and Miri Division Agriculture Officer Chong Mui Sia. -UKASnews