During the prestigious Future of Food and Agriculture International Conference 2024 held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, commonly known as Awg Tengah, highlighted the significant investment opportunities at the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub. As a key element of Sarawak’s economic development strategy, this hub is strategically positioned to capitalize on the rapidly expanding global halal market.
Projected to surge to an impressive USD 4.5 trillion by 2030, the global halal market offers vast potential. Awg Tengah’s emphasis on the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub underlines its critical role in tapping into this lucrative market, promising significant economic benefits and reinforcing Sarawak’s position on the international stage.
Import Dependency to Food Sovereignty by Awg Tengah
Awg Tengah, who also serves as the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, and Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment, emphasized the state’s commitment to reducing dependency on food imports, which accounted for 6.5% of Malaysia’s total imports in 2023, totaling RM78.8 billion. In Sarawak alone, food imports were RM6.8 billion last year, making up 10.9% of its total imports. The strategy aims to transition Sarawak from an importer to a self-sufficient food producer and a net exporter.
The Role of Tanjung Manis Halal Hub in Global Halal Market
Covering over 70,000 hectares, the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub is pivotal in this transformation. It is designed to support the entire food production supply chain, from farming to processing and distribution. By fostering a conducive environment for commercial agriculture through the development of agro parks, aquaculture parks, and agrotechnology parks, the hub encourages private investment and promotes agriculture and food-based industries.
Leveraging Technology for Agricultural Innovation
A key component of Sarawak’s Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 is the modernization of agriculture. Awg Tengah highlighted the integration of advanced technologies such as smart farming, mechanization, and digital applications aimed at increasing efficiency and sustainability in food production. This approach is intended to boost production, enhance food security, and develop higher-value-added downstream food processing for export markets.
Encouraging Youth and SME Participation
Awg Tengah called on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the younger generation to seize opportunities within the agricultural sector, recognizing it as a profitable avenue capable of generating substantial income. He noted the critical role of the private sector in achieving these goals, encouraging investment in research and development to improve resource efficiency and reduce the environmental impact.
Sustainability and Supportive Measures
The Sarawak government actively supports the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Measures include providing training, technical assistance, and financial incentives for implementing strategies such as crop rotation, agroforestry, integrated pest management, and soil conservation techniques. These initiatives are aimed at promoting sustainable growth within the agricultural sector and ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.
Under the leadership of Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the Tanjung Manis Halal Hub is poised to become a foundational element in Sarawak’s drive for economic resilience and a leadership role in the global halal market. By integrating traditional agricultural practices with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable methods, Sarawak is set to emerge as a major force in international trade and a benchmark for global agricultural innovation. This strategic approach is expected to propel the region to the forefront of economic development, leveraging the growing halal market to foster economic growth and sustainability.
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