Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiates Sarawak Agrofest 2024 here today. Photo by TVS.
BINTULU, July 12: The agricultural sector contributed RM14 billion to Sarawak's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said this indicates that the sector plays a crucial role in Sarawak's economic development.
According to Abang Johari, this contribution represents 10.4 percent of Sarawak's total GDP for the year and is among the largest contributors after services, manufacturing, mining, and quarrying.
"(Based on) this contribution and the background of land resources owned by Sarawak (in addition to) human resources, we need to reform to develop the food sector," he said.
He said this while speaking at the inauguration of Sarawak Agrofest 2024 here today.
Also present was the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development of Sarawak, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
Regarding the recognition as a high-income state for the second consecutive time by the World Bank recently, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government would translate this into higher household incomes.
"One of the ways is by enhancing the rural economic sector through agriculture.
"That's why Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom and colleagues in the cabinet will work together to complete the necessary components for us to elevate rural economic contributions through agriculture and food security," he said.
Abang Johari added that the Sarawak government will also collaborate with various experts to create an ecosystem that can accelerate the development of the agricultural sector.
Sarawak Agrofest 2024 is held at the Old Bintulu Airport from July 12 to 22, 2024. – TVS
