KUCHING: The establishment of the Sago and Nipah Development Board is a proactive step and shows that the GPS government is a far-sighted and innovative government.
Safiee Ahmad (GPS-Daro) in supporting the Sago and Nipah Development Bill, 2022 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today said that Sarawak has products that have the potential to dominate the domestic and international markets.
“However, despite having so many products available in the market, proper production and utilisation of products are still not maximised.
“In a view, the establishment of the Board is a significant pace because sago and nipah-based products have the potential to contribute to the economic growth of Sarawak,” Safiee said.
While debating on the Bill, Safiee said the operators of these products are mostly employed by the locals themselves in villages or longhouses.
In accordance with that, he recommended that the nipah trees that grow along the coastal areas should be gazetted so that they are not ruined for other development.
These nipah area also should be maintained as (Native Customary Rights) NCR Land for communities in the coastal areas.
Other than that, he pointed out that the enactment of the Board is to improve and develop the production of these potential products.
“I strongly believe that implementing this Board requires expertise and officials that have vast experience and knowledge regarding plantation of ‘nipah’ and sago production.
“This will ensure that the Board leads to the right path and also benefits Sarawak economically,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Safiee suggested that Sago and Nipah Development Board should be responsible in introducing modern approaches and involvement of technology.
He said this is to ensure that these products will be sustainable and ready to meet domestic and potential international demand.
On the other matter, he also suggested the Board to provide proper training and skill development programmes to interested individuals in venturing into the industry.
“It is undeniable that sago and ‘nipah’ products are verry common state-wide.
“However, it would be better if we can expand the market nationwide, which covers everywhere in Peninsular Malaysia to bring this industry to greater heights,” said Safiee.
