Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom

RM2.2 BILION DIPERUNTUK LAKSANA 703 PROJEK PERTANIAN

KUCHING: Dana sebanyak RM2.2 bilion diperuntukkan bagi melaksanakan 703 projek pertanian sehingga kini di seluruh Sarawak.

Menteri Industri Makanan, Komoditi dan Pembangunan Wilayah Sarawak, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom berkata, projek-projek ini merangkumi jalan luar bandar dan ladang, bund pantai, perlindungan tebing sungai, saliran pertanian, serta projek infrastruktur berkaitan di seluruh Sarawak.

“Setakat Oktober 2025, 417 projek telah selesai dilaksanakan, manakala projek-projek yang selebihnya sedang dijalankan pada pelbagai peringkat pelaksanaan,” ujarnya.

Beliau berkata demikian semasa menyampaikan penggulungan kementeriannya dalam Mesyuarat Ketiga Penggal Keempat Persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Sarawak Ke-19, di sini, pada Selasa.

Dalam pada itu katanya, Kementerian Pertanian dan Keselamatan Makanan di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-12 (RMKe-12) telah meluluskan peruntukan sebanyak RM14.0 juta untuk pemulihan dua skim pertanian Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (DID) iaitu Mid Sadong III Lubok Trangas di Gedong dan Paya Mending di Serian yang dijadualkan bermula pada suku pertama 2026.

Menyentuh pelaksanaan jalan ladang di Sarawak, beliau menjelaskan kementeriannya telah memperuntukkan RM111 juta untuk melaksanakan lebih 400 projek jalan ladang di seluruh Sarawak, merangkumi jarak lebih daripada 1,800 kilometer.

Projek-projek pembangunan jalan ladang ini katanya akan diteruskan pada tahun hadapan. - EDISI UKAS
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RM2.2 BILION DIPERUNTUK LAKSANA 703 PROJEK PERTANIAN | Notion KUCHING: Dana sebanyak RM2.2 bilion diperuntukkan bagi melaksanakan 703 projek pertanian sehingga kini di seluruh Sarawak.

SARAWAK ADVACES NATURAL LIVESTOCK HEALTH INNOVATION WITH SIPUDUN-BASED ANTHELMINTIC INITIATIVE

KUCHING (25 NOV) - Sarawak has taken a significant step toward strengthening its livestock industry through the development of a natural anthelmintic derived from the indigenous Sipudun plant, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) and the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) today.

The signing ceremony, held at the Media Room of the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex, was witnessed by Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom. The MoU was formally signed by Permanent Secretary of MEITD Datu Haji Adana Haji Jed and DVSS Director Datu Adrian Susin Ambud.

The collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Sarawak’s effort to build a resilient, innovation-led bioeconomy grounded in local biodiversity. Sipudun, scientifically known as Picria fel-terrae, is a native medicinal plant widely used by the Bidayuh community and other rural groups as a traditional remedy, particularly for deworming children and livestock. Its natural distribution across Sarawak’s lowland and hill areas makes it a readily cultivable resource for long-term agricultural applications.

The MoU supports the development of a natural, locally sourced alternative to synthetic anthelmintic drugs at a time when farmers across Malaysia continue to face rising challenges from drug-resistant parasitic infections. SBC’s scientific screening has identified promising anthelmintic properties in Sipudun, paving the way for a research-to-commercialisation pathway that could help diversify treatment options and reduce dependence on imported chemical-based solutions.

Dato Sri Roland Sagah said the initiative reflected Sarawak’s commitment to modern science-driven innovation anchored in the unique resources of the state’s biodiversity. He emphasised that the partnership between SBC and DVSS demonstrates how strategic collaboration can elevate local discoveries into practical livestock health solutions that address national needs.

Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi noted that the livestock industry requires forward-looking measures to tackle growing parasitic resistance. He said the use of a homegrown botanical resource offers an opportunity for Sarawak to champion natural solutions while uplifting rural communities through contract farming and community-based cultivation models.

Research conducted by SBC and DVSS has already completed efficacy and dose-ranging studies in laboratory settings, with prototype development progressing and controlled animal trials expected within the next two to three years. The regulatory process will follow strict national and international guidelines, ensuring compliance with Malaysia’s Animal Welfare Act 2015, GLP safety standards, and WOAH requirements for veterinary products.

Officials highlighted that community involvement will form an integral component of the project, with Sipudun’s natural ability to thrive in village environments offering meaningful economic opportunities for rural and indigenous communities. Locally cultivated production is also expected to ensure competitive and stable pricing for farmers once commercialisation begins.

The ministers underscored that this project positions Sarawak at the forefront of Malaysia’s natural livestock health product innovation, opening pathways for future participation in regional and international markets. They also noted that the initiative aligns with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS), the National AgriFood Policy, and the national STI agenda.

The collaboration ultimately represents a blend of modern scientific capability, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability, demonstrating how Sarawak’s biodiversity can be transformed into solutions that strengthen food security, improve national livestock resilience, and uplift the livelihoods of rural families.
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