MIRI: The success of perennial rice variety research in Sarawak should serve as a catalyst for expanding research into native Borneo crops with commercial potential.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the strategic collaboration with Yunnan University, China, which has produced positive results in the development of perennial rice varieties, should be continued to explore the potential of other crops, particularly local fruits that can contribute to the state’s food security agenda.

“After our success in rice research, the next step is to conduct research on other crops originating from Borneo, especially fruits that can support food security. The results can later be shared with ASEAN countries,” he said.

He said this when officiating at the Harvesting Ceremony of the Perennial Rice Variety Planting Project at Borneoland Paddy Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Baram, here on Thursday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari said that apart from fruits, research could also be expanded to other crops with economic value, including local orchid species that have the potential to be developed into products based on natural resources.

“My late wife was once aware of an orchid species that could be used as a raw material for beverages such as tea. This shows that there are still many local plants with potential that can be explored through research,” he said.

Elaborating further, he said Sarawak has advantages in terms of suitable soil conditions and a conducive climate for research and the cultivation of various tropical crops.

He added that stable weather conditions, coupled with the use of technology such as weather monitoring systems and data analysis, could help improve the effectiveness of research and agricultural productivity.

Therefore, these advantages are expected to position Sarawak as a strategic location for the development of tropical agricultural research, which can not only strengthen the state’s food supply but also potentially produce high-value products for regional markets.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching Xing Weiping, Yunnan University Vice President Professor Duan Xingwu, LCDA General Manager cum Chief Executive Officer of LCDA Holdings Sdn. Bhd. Datu Sr Zaidi Mahdi, Executive Chairman of Borneoland Paddy Sdn. Bhd. Dato Hii King Chiong; Miri Division Resident Galong Luang, and Managing Director of Borneoland Paddy Sdn. Bhd. Hii Wei Wen. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Leya Ameera Annuar Rigos
Photos: Muhammad Rais Sanusi
Translator: Uilson Ng