SEPTEMBER 2024
Sarawak's Premier Highlights The Role Of Sago Palm In Driving Green Economy And Global Food Security
KUCHING, 24 Sept – Sarawak's Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has reiterated the importance of sago palm in the state’s Post-Covid Development Strategy, focusing on sustainable growth through green economy initiatives.
Speaking during his speech at the 15th International Sago Symposium 2024 held at the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (TROPI), Kota Samarahan, Abang Johari emphasised how sago palm offers Sarawak an opportunity to contribute to global challenges like food security and climate change, while also boosting the local economy.
“Our Post-Covid Development Strategy is centred on creating a persistent green economy. The sago palm, an integral part of this approach, not only enhances food security but also serves as a sustainable solution to environmental challenges,” Abang Johari stated.
He highlighted that the global recognition of sago palm’s potential is evident through initiatives such as the FAO Technical Cooperation Programme in Indonesia and New Guinea.
The project, named "Promotion of Sago Starch Utilisation and Enhancing Food Security and Combating Climate Change through Scaling up Sago Palm Production," has demonstrated the crop’s growing significance on the international stage.
Abang Johari further explained that beyond its contribution to food security, the sago palm has applications in a wide range of industries—from biodegradable packaging to biofertiliser, biofuel, and animal feed. The increasing demand for gluten-free products worldwide has also spurred its popularity among health-conscious consumers, making sago a preferred choice in the global market.
“In Sarawak, sago palm cultivation is predominantly found in Mukah Division and areas along Saribas. Our international sago plantation footprint covers 2.5 million hectares in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, with Sarawak contributing 2.5% of this, equivalent to 62,000 hectares,” he added.
To boost sago palm production, the state government has established the Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB). The Board aims to modernise production, promote mechanisation, and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, all while contributing to Sarawak's green economy objectives.
“Sago palm is crucial not only for economic reasons but also for environmental sustainability. It is an ideal crop for rehabilitating degraded peatland and combating climate change. I was informed that it’s the only perennial starch crop capable of thriving in extreme conditions, such as flood-prone areas, while sequestering carbon dioxide and fixing nitrogen,” Abang Johari said.
He noted that integrating sustainable peatland management with sago palm cultivation aligns with both national and global climate goals. The crop’s ability to mitigate flooding, stabilise riverbeds, and contribute to carbon sequestration makes it a vital tool in addressing climate challenges.
However, the Premier stressed that voluntary efforts alone will not suffice. “We need binding targets for peatland restoration, attractive incentives for sustainable agricultural practices, and collective action from both the public and private sectors. International bodies such as the UNDP, FAO, and ASEAN must take a more strategic approach, and we must act now.”
The event saw the attendance of several key figures, including Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Anak Utom, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Sarawak; Dato Sri Dr. Haji Wan Lizozman Bin Wan Omar, State Financial Secretary; Datu Dr. Lulie Melling, the Organizing Chairperson of the 15th International Sago Symposium; and Professor Hiroshi Ehara, President of the Society of Sago Palm Studies.