NCR land development as a key driver to state's economic growth

KUCHING, May 19 2026: Native Customary Rights (NCR) land development continues to be strengthened as a key driver of the state’s economic growth, particularly in enhancing food security and increasing the income of rural communities in Sarawak.

 

Caption: Minister Dr Stephen Rundie Utom says that the management of NCR land development is implemented holistically by taking into account legal, economic, social, environmental and governance aspects to ensure comprehensive and long-lasting benefits 

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dr Stephen Rundie Utom said the government remains committed to developing idle or under-utilised NCR land in a productive and sustainable manner without compromising the rights and interests of landowners.

According to him, to date, a total of 953,373 hectares of NCR land have been developed for large-scale commercial agriculture through various approaches involving agencies such as SALCRA, LCDA, SLDB, FELCRA and RISDA, in addition to the participation of private companies and individual farmers.

“This development reflects the government’s continuous efforts to optimise the use of NCR land in generating greater economic value for the people,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA).

He added that the management of NCR land development is implemented holistically by taking into account legal, economic, social, environmental and governance aspects to ensure comprehensive and long-lasting benefits.

To ensure orderly execution, every development application is evaluated through the One-Stop Committee (OSC) for areas under 100 hectares, while areas exceeding that size are coordinated by the State Task Force.

At the same time, private companies interested in investing in NCR land development must undergo a strict evaluation process to ensure they possess credibility, technical expertise and financial capability.

Fatimah: 380,626 senior citzens are KGC holders

KUCHING, May 19 2026: Since the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) initiative was introduced in 2020, a total of 380,626 senior citizens are KGC holders. 

Caption: Fatimah Abdullah says 14,517 KGC holders have activated their digital cards through the SarawakPASS application 

Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah said of these, 14,517 KGC holders have activated their digital cards through the SarawakPASS application.

She said with the KGC, senior citizens can now enjoy discounts, rebates and services offered by 1,290 KGC strategic business partners throughout Sarawak.

“During the same period, a total of 30,752 heirs of KGC holders have received the Beneficial Death Assistance (BIK) benefits, involving an allocation of RM79.9 million,” she said in her winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

Fatimah said in line with the transition of Sarawak government services towards digitalization, from January 2026, BIK applications have been implemented online through the SarawakPASS application, facilitating the achievement and access to services, while continuing to manage applications manually.

On the Senior Citizen Health Benefit (SCHB) scheme, she said since its introduction in August 2024 to April 2026, a total of 226,801 senior citizens have registered as SCHB beneficiaries.

She added the implementation of this scheme has involved an expenditure of RM86.3 million, saying that a total of 257 out of 477 private clinics and hospitals in Sarawak have registered as SCHB panels to provide access to health services to senior citizens.

On the Senior Citizen Programme, Fatimah said it is not only a service platform, but also a space to support senior citizens through health, welfare and social well-being support towards supporting healthy, active and dignified ageing.

She said the programme, which involves various government agencies and the private sector, reflects a joint commitment in strengthening community support networks and ensuring that the welfare and needs of senior citizens continue to be given attention.

Dr Sim: Sarawak is politically stable because DAP is not in the state government

By CW Claire

KUCHING, May 19 206: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian has claimed that the existing political stability in Sarawak is due to the absence of the DAP in the state government.

Caption: Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian says DAP is bankrupt of ideas 

He said the party is always divisive, polarising and politicking; disguise as championing for the rakyat.

“We have witnessed in this August House their behaviour in every session,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.

“DAP Sarawak is also bankrupt of ideas, disguise as championing check and balance in democracy,” he added.

He called on Sarawakians to remain united and stand together in solidarity for these few critical years till 2030.

“We must be on high alert for anai anai (termites) from both within and outside Sarawak and also anai anai inside GPS,”  he said.

“Given the political chaos in Peninsular Malaysia in the last few days, the Malaysia general election may be sooner than Sarawak election,” he said.

Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) president,  urged Sarawakians to “tolak” (reject) Peninsular Malaysia’s toxic cultures, chaotic politics and all  “Malayan-based parties” from Sarawak.  

“For those who are not voting in Sarawak, Jangan TengooooOK Saja but actively support and help us in our cybermedia war in which ever way you can.   

“We must have the culture, the courage to speak up with positive narrative for Sarawak.

 “Give recognition where it is Due.   Let Sarawak be different from Malayan politics which has gone from bad to worse for the last 10 years as they thrived on divisive, polarising, negative,” Dr Si,m, toxic narrative and tearing down the nation instead of nation building,” Dr Sim said.

Some 38,587 smalhholders in Sarawak are involved in pepper cultivation

By Mohd Abdullah Lee

KUCHING, May 19 2026: Sarawak remains the country’s largest pepper-producing region, contributing to 98% of Malaysia's total production and as of March 2026, the state recorded 8,061 hectares of pepper cultivation involving 38,587 smallholders, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dr Stephen Rundie Utom has said.

Caption: Minister Dr Stephen Rundie Utom says about 5,800 pepper farmers in Sarawak are expected to benefit under both the Premium Pepper Cultivation Scheme and the Pepper Maintenance Scheme, covering a combined area of 1,450 hectares.  

He said his ministry, in collaboration with Malaysian Pepper Board, will promote the development of a complete supply chain focusing on high-value downstream products to capture greater value, generate better profit margins, and strengthen the pepper industry.   

“Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a sum of RM50 million has been approved under the Program Kemampanan Penanaman Lada Di Malaysia to support premium pepper cultivation and improve productivity,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA).

Dr Rundie said about 5,800 pepper farmers in Sarawak are expected to benefit under both the Premium Pepper Cultivation Scheme and the Pepper Maintenance Scheme, covering a combined area of 1,450 hectares.

He added the Entrepreneurship and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (PMKS) Development Programme is allocated 31 with RM5 million aims to strengthen downstream entrepreneurship in the pepper industry through training and technical support in production, processing and marketing.

Dr Rundie said  the pepper board, this year, has been allocated with RM100,000  to implement the Food Safety Management System Certification (FSSC) 22000 certification programme in major pepper-producing areas in Sarawak to enhance global competitiveness and strengthen consumer confidence in the safety and quality of pepper products.

 He added a total of RM20 million has been allocated to complete the Pepper Industry Development Centre Project, which is expected to be fully completed by 2027.

“In addition, Saraspice Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of MPB, is also working closely with Malaysian Pepper Board and pepper farmers to advance sustainability initiatives that ensure Sarawak pepper meets international standards and global market expectations, while supporting farmers through competitive purchase prices and enhanced incentives for premium-grade produce.  

“Currently, there are two  existing collaborations or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SaraSpice Sdn Bhd and two  prestige companies in Japan to collaborate on sustainable supply of Sarawak pepper to Japan.

“This is to ensure continuous and sustainable pepper production through a sustainable pepper development model / business model that directly links farmers with buyers or importers through exporters locally,” Dr Rundie said.

He said based on 2025 records, Malaysia’s pepper sector contributed RM2.27 billion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He added Sarawak pepper industry is estimated to contribute approximately RM2 billion annually equivalent to 1.3%-1.5% of the state’s GDP.

He said Sarawak pepper production amounted to 30,613 metric tonnes with an export value of RM159 million.