KUCHING: The development of both the upstream and downstream sectors of the sago and nipah industries must be the prime aim of the proposed Sago and Nipah Development Board.
“We do believe that a lot of idle land, especially the vast area of peat land in coastal areas, can be developed for both of these industries,” said Miro Simuh (GPS-Serembu).
He said this when debating in support of the Sago and Nipah Development Board Bill, 2022 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
With the guidance and financial capability of the board, he hoped to see many more farmers, either in small- or large-scale, getting involved in these two industries.
He also referred to a news portal that described the potential of Sarawak to become the hub for the nipah industry with the involvement of the private sector.
He pointed out the involvement of Sarz Al-Yahya Corporation Sdn Bhd which was investing between RM3 to RM5 billion within five years starting next year to develop a large-scale nipah plantation and nipah sap processing industry complex at Belawai, Tanjung Manis.
“This shows that the industry was well planned with both of its upstream and downstream activities. The move by corporate players is most welcome to drive this industry and community players to get involved in nipah plantation and processing,” he said.
Miro noted that Sarawak was the only region in the country which had formed such a board to look into both industries, adding that full support should be given to this Bill.
“The formation of the Sago and Nipah Development Board is timely and appropriate to bring both these industries to another level that would benefit industry players, stakeholders, and the community as a whole,” he said.
He hoped that the establishment of the board would pave the way for both industries to compete and be part of revenue-earning in terms of agricultural produce – being on par with the palm oil, rubber, and pepper industries.
He noted that both sago and nipah industries had been important economic generators for locals for years.
“Sarawak has been recognised as a principal exporter of sago starch for years. For example, records show that in 2017, the export value for sago starch was at RM89 million and this amount makes sago the fourth highest revenue earner for the state after oil palm, pepper, and rubber. These three commodities already have their own board looking after them,” he said.
Miro also said that the nipah tree was a source of various food products which, if well managed, could be expanded for export value.
