KUCHING: Food manufacturers who have yet to modernise their operations have been urged to acquire modern technology in order to meet the needs and wants of the market, said Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais.
The Assistant Minister of International Trade and Terminal Industry and Entrepreneur Development (Mintred) said the population in Malaysia, Sarawak and even the world is increasing day by day and their needs and wants will also increase.
“The need for food will definitely increase as the population of the world increases.
“Therefore, we need to use modern technology in food production,” he told reporters after the inauguration ceremony of Zuema Enterprise and B’mori Mi Kuning Zaidah at Mara Industrial Estate (KIM) Demak Laut Industrial Estate, Bako Road here, on Sunday (Apr 4).
He also urged entrepreneurs, especially those involved in the food production sector, to apply for halal certificates to expand their business.
“When food entrepreneurs have halal certificates for their products, they can go far. The products can be marketed abroad,” he said, adding that the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and related agencies have helped many entrepreneurs in the state to obtain halal certificates.
Mohd Naroden also praised the efforts of the two noodle entrepreneurs for successfully producing their own products despite having limited equipment.
“From what you see, they have managed to produce food products even though they have not used automatic machines.
“I would also like to congratulate Mara for successfully helping these entrepreneurs including providing them with premises,” he said.
Naroden mentioned that the state and federal governments have helped many entrepreneurs in the state by providing the premises, training and even financial assistance.
“Like what we see today, my ministry (Mintred) along with the institutions receive, process and provide assistance through several schemes,” he said.
Recently, he also handed over a mock cheque for RM20,000 under the Technical and Vocational Entrepreneur (Ustev) programme to Mee Kuning Entrepreneur, Zaidah Mohmmad Nazri Aboi, and Instant Kolo Mee Entrepreneur, Zuema Normawati Mohd Hamden.
The fund is mean t to help entrepreneurs buy equipment.
