Berita IDS
Vol.21
Jul 2006 – Jun 2007
RANCANGAN MALAYSIA KE-9 PEMACU MISI SABAH
Satu-satunya fenomena ekonomi yang sering merunsingkan perancang pembangunan di manamana juga ialah semakin pesat kemajuan ekonomi dicapai sesebuah negara, semakin besar jurang
perbezaan pendapatan di kalangan pelbagai lapisan masyarakat. Di Malaysia, ketidaksamarataan
pendapatan ini wujud bukan saja di kalangan penduduk bandar dengan luar bandar, malah di
kalangan wilayah dan kaum akibat tumpuan pembangunan yang tidak seimbang, perbezaan
kemudahan prasarana dan peluang ekonomi serta sikap dan keusahawanan penduduk yang tidak
sama.
Pada asasnya, program penyusunan semula masyarakat menerusi program Dasar Ekonomi Baru
dan pelbagai projek pembangunan insitu yang dilancarkan dalam rancangan pembangunan lima
tahun selama ini, bertujuan merapatkan jurang perbezaan dan ketidakseimbangan ini.
Bagaimanapun, akibat pelbagai faktor yang tidak boleh dielakkan dan di luar kawalan, kejayaan
yang dicapai setakat ini masih jauh daripada memuaskan. Berdasarkan hakikat ini, maka
Rancangan Malaysia Kesembilan (RMK-9) yang telah dibentangkan oleh Perdana Menteri Datuk
Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, di Dewan Rakyat terus memberi tumpuan kepada usaha
memperbaiki ketidaksamarataan sosioekonomi ini, tetapi dengan pendekatan sedikit berbeza
daripada pendekatan yang pernah diambil sebelum ini.
Seperti yang dijelaskan dalam Bajet 2006, kerajaan berhasrat menjadikan sektor pertanian
sebagai penyumbang ketiga terbesar terhadap Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK) selepas
pembuatan dan perkhidmatan. Oleh itu, adalah munasabah untuk mengharapkan sektor pertanian
diberikan insentif baru untuk menggalakkan pengeluaran secara moden dan pada skala komersial,
di samping pengeluaran produk asas tani yang mempunyai nilai tambah
Kita semua sedia maklum, RMK-9 telah dibentangkan oleh Perdana Menteri pada 31 Mac yang
lalu. Kerajaan Pusat telah memperuntukkan sejumlah RM15.65 bilion kepada negeri Sabah di
bawah RMK-9 selain RM1.25 bilion di bawah Inisiatif Pembiayaan Swasta (PFI). Peruntukan ini
semestinya digunakan dengan sepenuhnya demi kelicinan pelaksanaan projek-projek
pembangunan yang telah dirancang. Penghayatan isi dan plan RMK-9 melalui beberapa faktor
perlu diberi perhatian sewajarnya. Pertama, pelaksanaan RMK-9 ini berada dalam tempoh
pertengahan menuju Wawasan 2020, dan kedua, keutamaan-keutamaan yang digariskan di bawah
RMK-9 ini merangkumi pelbagai aspek yang difikirkan mampu menangani segala permasalahan
yang dihadapi semasa Rancangan-Rancangan Malaysia yang lalu.
Langkah kerajaan menghidupkan semula semangat DEB dalam RMK-9 dengan matlamat agenda
Bumiputera dalam dasar pembangunan negara adalah sesuatu yang wajar. Setidak-tidaknya,
menjelang Wawasan 2020 pemilikan ekuiti sebanyak 30 peratus di kalangan Bumiputera dalam
sektor korporat perlu dicapai. Agenda Bumiputera tidak lagi boleh dilaksanakan menggunakan
strategi atau pendekatan yang lama, iaitu perlindungan dan campur tangan yang berlebihan ke
atas penyertaan Bumiputera dalam perniagaan, kerana ini mempunyai kesan negatif ke atas
pemikiran dan kecekapan ekonomi mereka. Justeru, kita harus berani membiarkan syarikatsyarikat milik Bumiputera berdikari supaya dapat menjana kekuatan dan keyakinan dalam diri
mereka sekaligus mampu mengembangkan kreativiti, potensi, daya inovasi dan daya saing
syarikat-syarikat milik Bumiputera ini.
Kerajaan tentunya bertekad menggunakan sepenuhnya peluang RMK-9 ini untuk mengubah
sikap Bumiputera, membuka dan membina minda positif, meningkatkan keyakinan diri,
berfikiran matang dan dinamik. Sememangnya ini bukanlah suatu perkara yang mudah, tetapi
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Berita IDS
Vol.21
Jul 2006 – Jun 2007
kita tidak mempunyai pilihan melainkan berusaha gigih untuk cuba menghapuskan halangan
utama ini daripada menggagalkan sekali lagi usaha mencapai kejayaan yang lebih bermakna
dalam RMK-9 ini. Pemerkasaan pembangunan modal insan yang merupakan faktor utama dalam
memastikan kejayaan setiap usaha yang telah dilaksanakan. Kita perlu membangunkan sektor
ekonomi kita ke arah kemakmuran dan kecemerlangan menerusi tindakan meningkatkan kualiti
modal insan. Dalam konteks perniagaan, para usahawan, khususnya usahawan Bumiputera, harus
bijak mengeksploitasi kepakaran para pekerja mereka untuk mewujudkan prestasi dan
keuntungan yang meningkat. Justeru, modal insan yang berkualiti dan berdaya saing amat
penting dalam memajukan ekonomi Bumiputera. Selain itu, kita juga harus memastikan
pembangunan modal insan ini selari dengan pendekatan K-ekonomi yang telahpun dilaksanakan
dalam sistem ekonomi negara. Sekiranya kita berupaya melahirkan modal insan yang berkualiti
dan bijak mengaplikasikan pendekatan K-ekonomi, sudah tentu kita mampu melaksanakan dasardasar pembangunan ekonomi dengan jayanya.
Di Negeri Sabah, Industri perkayuan merupakan tulang belakang pembangunan sosio-ekonomi,
dan sehingga kini, masih mengekalkan kepentingannya sebagai sumber ekonomi utama negeri
ini. Pada tahun 2004, sektor perhutanan negeri telah menyumbang sebanyak RM385 juta iaitu
22% daripada pendapatan Kerajaan Negeri Sabah. Industri perkayuan pernah mencatat melebihi
50% daripada jumlah keseluruhan pendapatan negeri ini. Dari segi guna tenaga pula, industri ini
menyediakan pekerjaan kepada 38,845 pekerja.
Kerajaan Negeri berhasrat untuk menyediakan tenaga kerja yang berpengetahuan dan
berkemahiran tinggi supaya dapat menyumbang terhadap usaha mencapai matlamat negara untuk
beralih daripada ekonomi berasaskan pengeluaran (p-economy) kepada ekonomi berasaskan
pengetahuan (k-economy). Penubuhan WISDEC Sabah ini diharap dapat memberikan
kemudahan yang lebih banyak kepada pengusaha-pengusaha industri kayu di Sabah dan Sarawak
untuk lebih mudah mengikuti kursus kemahiran dalam industri kayu dengan kos yang lebih
menjimatkan.
Ekoran daripada RMK-9, pelbagai tindakan yang dilakukan oleh Kerajaan Negeri Sabah untuk
membantu masyarakat tempatan dalam meningkatkan kualiti hidup seterusnya untuk kepentingan
politik, sosial dan ekonomi. Dalam RMK-9, Kerajaan Persekutaun Negeri Sabah telah bersetuju
agar FELDA menyumbang peruntukan tambahan sebanyak RM35 juta setahun untuk tujuan
pembasmian kemiskinan di Sabah. Pada tahun ini, kerajaan telah memberi peruntukan untuk
tujuan yang sama iaitu sebanyak RM50 juta. Oleh itu, masyrakat luar bandar akan mendapat
manfaat dan faedah daripada peruntukan tersebut. Selain itu, Kerajaan Negeri juga berhasrat
untuk membasmi kemiskinan tegar di kawasan bandar menjelang akhir RMK-9 dan untuk
menepati tujuan tersebut, Program Teras Pembasmian Kemiskinan Bandar akan dilaksanakan.
Kerajaan Negeri melalui Lembaga Industri Getah (LIGS) Sabah dan FELCRA telahpun
menjalankan satu projek iaitu membangunkan tanah dengan cara menanam getah untuk tujuan
pembasmian kemiskinan khususnya di kawasan semenanjung Bengkoka, Pitas. Melalui cara ini,
penduduk kawasan tersebut mempunyai sumber pendapatan seterusnya dapat memperbaiki tahap
kehidupan. Selain itu, pengeluaran getah juga dapat dihasilkan secara komersil untuk menambah
pendapatan negara.
Selaras dengan dasar dan strategi-strategi pembangunan nasional di bawah RMK-9, Kerajaan
Negeri Sabah memfokuskan tiga objektif utama pembangunan negeri. Pertama, meningkatkan
pertumbuhan ekonomi ke tahap yang lebih tinggi, mapan, berdaya saing serta berdaya tahan;
kedua, mengukuhkan serta meningkatkan aspek-aspek sokongan pengeluaran dan perkhidmatan
untuk menerajui pembangunan sektor-sektor pertanian, pelancongan dan pembuatan; dan ketiga
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Vol.21
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pula ialah mengurangkan kadar kemiskinan khususnya kemiskinan tegar di bandar dan luar
bandar.
Sememangnya, semua pemimpin politik, jentera-jentera Kerajaan Negeri dan Persekutuan
diharap agar dapat menggunakan peruntukan dengan bijak dan memastikan pelaksanaan serta
sistem pemantauan projek yang berkesan dapat dilakukan. Ini bertujuan untuk memastikan semua
projek yang dirancang dapat disiapkan mengikut jadual. Selain itu, rakyat Negeri Sabah juga
perlu memberi sokongan dan kerjasama sepenuhnya terhadap hasrat Sabah untuk menjadi negeri
maju jaya menjelang tahun 2015 akan menjadi kenyataan.
Sejajar dengan dasar dan strategi-strategi pembangunan nasional di bawah RMK-9, sektor
pertanian telah menumpukan aspek pemodenan bagi sektor tersebut agar sektor pertanian di
negeri ini akan lebih dinamik dan berdaya saing. Untuk menjadikan Sabah sebagai sebuah pusat
pengeluaran makanan, Kerajaan Negeri menggalakkan serta mengalu-alukan pelaburan sektor
swasta ke dalam industri pemprosesan makanan, industri hiliran perikanan, pembangunan
akuakultur dan penerokaan laut alam negeri ini.
Memandangkan industri pelancongan mempunyai potensi besar dalam menjana pertumbuhan
ekonomi, maka Kerajaan Negeri telah meningkatkan sasaran jumlah pelancong yang datang ke
negeri ini sebanyak 2.7 juta pada tahun 2007 dan seterusnya 4 juta menjelang tahun 2010. Untuk
mencapai matlamat ini, infrastruktur sokongan dan perkhidmatan berkaitan pelancongan akan
dinaiktaraf dan diperbaiki untuk memenuhi piawaian peringkat antarabangsa. Selain itu, produk
pelancongan perlulah dipromosikan dengan giat supaya dapat menarik lebih ramai pelancong ke
negeri ini. Melalui pengiktirafan dan pembesaran Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kota
Kinabalu, usaha ini dijangka dapat meningkatkan lagi perkhidmatan penerbangan antarabangsa
ke negeri ini. Kerajaan Negeri juga akan meneruskan penyediaan Pelan Konsep Pelancongan
Tempatan di kawasan pedalaman pada tahun ini.
Melalui dasar dan strategi RMK-9, Kerajaan Negeri Sabah juga amat mementingkan
perkembangan sains dan teknologi. Hal ini disebabkan sains dan teknologi memainkan peranan
yang penting dalam menambah nilai kepada semua aspek proses pengeluaran dan perkhidmatan
di ketiga-tiga sektor produktif ekonomi negeri. Dengan demikian, Kerajaan Negeri dengan
kerjasama Kerajaan Persekutuan akan meningkatkan keupayaan dalam bidang ini. Kerajaan
Negeri sedar bahawa terdapat potensi besar dalam penyelidikan dan pembangunan seperti dalam
bidang bioteknologoi, teknologi pemprosesan makanan, industri berasaskan pertanian dan
sumber-sumber bahan lain yang boleh dikomersilkan. Oleh itu, usaha-usaha akan diteruskan
untuk meningkatkan kapasiti dan kemahiran sumber manusia dalam bidang penyelidikan dan
inovasi.
Pembangunan modal insan amat penting dan Kerajaan Negeri amat menyedari kepentingannya
terhadap sumber manusia dalam menyokong dan menggerakkan pembangunan negeri ini.
Terdapat usaha-usaha yang akan ditumpukan untuk meningkatkan kemahiran teknikal dan
teknologi serta pengetahuan yang diperlukan untuk menyokong sektor-sektor hala tuju khususnya
sektor pertanian dan pembuatan. Manakala bagi sektor pelancongan, kemahiran hospitaliti,
pengetahuan dan profesionalisme perkhidmatan barisan hadapan di sektor ini akan ditingkatkan
sejajar dengan arus RMK-9. Bagi meningkatkan kualiti anggota perkhidmatan awam di semua
peringkat sebagai usaha untuk meningkatkan kecekapan dan keberkesanan sistem penyampaian
kerajaan disaran menjalankan latihan di Institusi Latihan Kerajaan Negeri dan Persekutuan
seperti INSAN dan INTAN.
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Sememangnya, kini kita sedang menempuh RMK-9, oleh itu, berdasarkan contoh-contoh
tindakan telah diterangkan, pelaksanaan, pemantauan dan penilaian RMK-9 perlu difokuskan.
Hal ini perlu supaya dapat meneruskan dan meningkatkan khidmat kecemerlangan serta
tanggungjawab dengan penuh dedikasi dan amanah. Perkara ini perlu diberi perhatian demi
kepentingan dan kesejahteraan rakyat di Negeri Sabah untuk mencapai sasaran kerajaan untuk
menjadi sebuah negeri yang maju jaya menjelang tahun 2015.
Rujukan
1.
http://utusan.com.my/utusan/special/ coverage/Rmk9/bahasa/peruntukan. pdf
2.
http://www.epu.jm.my/index_rm9_ files/frame.htm.
3.
http://www.bharian.com.my/misc/Umno55/artikel/lapran2005/20050723120957/Article
4.
http://webevents.bernama.com/eventarmk9/newsbm.php?id_186942
5.
http://banktani.tripod.com/port_dickson.htm
6.
http://www.sabah.gov.my/events/ 2006 ucapanTYT/ucapan dasar kerajaanpdf.
7.
Berita Harian, “Sinar Kembali Menjengah Semenanjung Bengkoka”, 15 Jun 2006.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN SUSTAINABLE BIO-RESOURCE UTILIZATION
Sabah is richly endowed with biodiversity and natural bio-resources. The terrestrial and marine
resources provide local communities with a wide spectrum of needs, ranging from food to feed
stock, fibre, energy, health and well-being. Nevertheless, there is a need to better harness such
resources as a means to alleviate poverty among the local communities.
One way to achieve this objective is through empowerment of local communities by enhancing
their capacity and capability to improve their living standards. This involves exposing them to
new techniques and technologies including biotechnology process to produce goods of better
quality and higher value from bio-resources.
Herbal and medicinal plants are among bio-resources harvested and used by local communities.
In Malaysia, there are more than four thousand species of identified medicinal plants. According
to the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, MARDI, the value of
Malaysian herbal industry in 1999 was estimated at RM4.55 billion. Thus, there is great potential
for local communities to venture into the herbal industry. Community participation in sustainable
commercialisation of herbal plants is an example of effort by local people to improve their
livelihood.
Optimizing bio-resources through biotechnology process especially tissue culture and
fermentation technology coupled with active participation from the community holds great
promise for a more competitive and sustainable growth of the herbal industry. Though
biotechnology processes have been used by local communities a long time ago, upgrading of
knowledge and processes is needed to meet certain requirement by regulatory bodies.
The Kadazan-Dusun-Murut community in particular has traditionally applied biotechnology
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process in rice fermentation using sasad (yeast as a starter material) to produce tapai (rice wine)
and lihing (red rice wine), in fish fermentation to produce nonsom sada (pickled fish) and in
fermentation of bambangan fruit with its grated seed to produce nonsom bambangan. The
natives in Penampang have long been using simple kitchen utensils or pangalakan (a home-made
distiller) to extract crude ethanol from linutau (liquefied non concentrated tapai) to produce
montoku, which has 20- 40 per cent content of crude ethanol. Likewise, the same pangalakan
could be used to extract oil from aromatic plants such as serai wangi to produce essential oil,
albeit with some modification.
The Sabah Brunei and Bajau communities in Papar have also used traditional biotechnology
processes in making belacan and tempe. While kicap has long been used as a seasoning to food,
few realise that it is a product of fermented soya bean and a starter material.
From the above discussions, it is clear that the various communities have the knowledge about
biotechnology processes but such knowledge needs to be mobilized and optimized for
commercial ventures to benefit the communities. With this in mind, a seminar was organised to
create awareness on the importance of sustainable bio-resource and biotechnology utilisation.
It was also to emphasise the need for community empowerment to address communal concerns
by optimizing bio-resources through biotechnology innovation.
The objectives of the seminar were as follows:
1.
To disseminate information on the benefits of sustainable bio-resources and biotechnology
utilisation.
2.
To provide a platform for discussion on empowering local communities in undertaking
income generating activities; and
3.
To create awareness on the use of tissue culture.
The seminar was organized by the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) and sponsored by
the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAF). More than one hundred participants including herbal
industry players and representatives from non-governmental organizations, state and federal
government departments as well as interested individuals attended the seminar. The two-day
seminar was held at The Magellan Sutera Hotel, Kota Kinabalu on 5-6 September 2006. It was
officiated by Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Community Development and Consumer
Affairs Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin.
In his speech, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin said the State government through his
ministry had implemented various programmes to improve the economic status and welfare of
people in the State. In addition, his ministry had also provided financial assistance to the poor,
the handicapped and the less fortunate as well as undertaken awareness programmes to address
social problems such as drug abuse.
He also said that the State government’s policy focus was to ensure that its bio-resources were
managed in a sustainable manner in line with its Halatuju agenda. “If the resources are not
managed well, not only productivity will be affected but sustainability of biodiversity will be
adversely impacted as well,” he added.
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Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin said it was practical to apply biotechnology to the agriculture
sector especially for the conservation of herbal and medicinal plants. In addition, he said the
State would benefit a lot through dynamic utilization of biotechnology know-how such as tissue
culture and fermentation technology, coupled with the traditional knowledge of the local people
and the rich bio-resources of the State.
This view was also shared by Executive Director of IDS, Datuk Dr. Mohd. Yaakub Hj. Johari. In
his welcoming remarks, he emphasised the need to develop the bio-resources through agrobiotechnology.
“With the application of scientific R&D such as biotechnology, we could make a quantum leap
towards the K-economy. Agro-biotechnology would be useful in value adding the agricultural
products, resulting in improved and high quality products,” he said.
A total of nine working papers were presented at the seminar, which covered topics including the
involvement of the community in optimizing bio-resources with a specific focus on awareness in
conserving biodiversity, preservation of the traditional knowledge and participation in incomegenerating eco-tourism activities.
The titles of the working paper and their presenters are as follows:
•
Community Awareness through Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity and
Income Generation, Community Participation in Eco-tourism by Che Aniha Dato Che
Isahak, Wanita Inovatif Jaya Diri, Kelantan;
•
Community Participation in Eco-Tourism: The Red Ape Encounters Experience by Mr.
Sahdin Lias, Red Ape Encounters & Adventures Sdn. Bhd;
•
Conservation of the Traditional Knowledge and Practice: Update on UNDP/GEF/SGPIDS Demo Plot Project by Puan Mary Sintoh, IDS (Sabah);
•
Tissue Culture of Herbal Plants by Dr. Kodi Iswaran Kandasamy, FRIM;
•
Tissue Culture and Genetic Manipulation of Centella Asiatica (Pegaga): UMS
Experience by Dr. Zaleha Abdul Aziz, UMS;
•
Propagation of Acacia Hybrid (mangium x auriculiformis) by Mr. Crispin Kitingan,
SAFODA;
•
Efforts to Empower Community through Essential Oil Production in Sabah by Mr. Mohd.
Murray Hunter, KUKUM;
•
Poverty Alleviation Programmes in Sabah: YUM Experience by Mr. Abdul Hamid Sani,
Yayasan Usaha Maju;
•
Community Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation: Strategies, Challenges and Efforts
by Prof. Madya Mat Nor & Mr. Paul Porodong, UMS.
At the end of the paper presentation session, a panel discussion entitled Community
Empowerment and Development: The Way Forward was held to further discuss all of the related
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issues.
Among the major issues discussed was the implementation of poverty alleviation programmes in
Sabah and their effectiveness, as despite all such efforts Sabah still has the highest incidence of
poverty in the nation. It was thought that this was caused by the lukewarm response from the
community towards such dedicated programmes, although some quarters claimed that the success
story could only be seen in the long run.
During the Q&A session, one participant commented on the active participation of the
communities in poverty alleviation programmes initiated by local non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) in contrast with government-run programmes. He suggested that the
NGO’s approach of getting the local people to voluntarily participate in their programmes should
be emulated by government departments especially those involved in the implementation of such
programmes. Great emphasis should also be put on partnership and close cooperation between
the government, its related agencies and the NGOs.
Another important point raised at the meeting was the dissemination of information and
knowledge pertaining to scientific and technological methods and applications especially in
agriculture and more specifically biotechnology to the rural communities in Sabah. Some
capacity building initiatives would also be needed to enable the rural folks to catch up fast and
adapt to the modern world.
Most of the participants were very grateful to the speakers for their enthusiasm in imparting
knowledge and experiences during the seminar. They were also of the view that community
involvement and empowerment towards poverty alleviation in Sabah is possible provided that all
related parties contribute to such an effort, that its progress is constantly being monitored, and
that the delivery system is improved. Nevertheless, more still needs to be done to integrate
biotechnology in all related sectors towards sustainable bio-resource utilisation.
Feedback from the participants suggested that seminar of this nature should be held frequently
not only to tap feedback and information but also to monitor current events and poverty situation
especially with regard to poverty alleviation programmes and their implementation. It was also
suggested that there was a need to provide the rural communities with adequate scientific
knowledge and awareness on biotechnology.
Meanwhile, two events were held in conjunction with the seminar. The first was the launching of
Konsortium Pasifik Sama Sdn Bhd, KPS’s new product, the Borneofarm Minyak Kelapa Murni
(Virgin Coconut Oil) by Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin. The locally manufactured virgin
coconut oil (VCO) is a fine example of the application of biotechnology in the development of
nature-based products using the fermentation process. This simple indigenous R&D technique
can be adopted by local communities to produce VCO on a commercial scale.
The other event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IDS
(Sabah) and Desa Tea Sdn Bhd. on cultivation of tea tree and gelam for the purpose of producing
essential oil. – Mary Sintoh & Justin Janim
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PRACTICAL COURSE ON HARVESTING AND DECORING OF ROSELLE
The Institute for Development Studies (Sabah), Sabah Institute for Small and Medium Enterprise
(IPKS) and Borneo Natural Products Sdn Bhd organised a practical course on harvesting and
decoring of Roselle on 3 October 2006.
The course was held at the IDS/UNDP Demo Plot in the Papar district. About 40 participants
comprising farmers and interested individuals from Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Kota Belud and Ranau
districts took part in the course.
The half-day course was aimed at teaching the right technique of harvesting and decoring the
Roselle bulb so as to provide quality calyces for further downstream processing into beverages
and food products such as cordial and dried Roselle or halwa. With the skills acquired from the
course, the participants particularly farmers will be able to supply high quality Roselle calyces to
food and beverage manufacturers.
Borneo Natural Products Sdn Bhd, a joint venture company involving IPKS, IDS, Marditech and
other private investors established to undertake fruit-based downstream processing activities, is
currently developing several products based on Roselle and has started trial production of Roselle
cordial and halwa at its factory located at Lok Kawi, Kota Kinabalu.
Other potential Roselle-based food products that can be developed include jam, jelly, chutney,
beverage powder as well as natural flavouring and colouring.
The IDS-UNDP Demo Plot project was established with financial assistance from UNDP/GEF
fund on five acres of land in Kimanis, Papar. Various herbal and non-conventional crops are
being planted for research and development (R&D) purposes at the site, including the
propagation of the Roselle plant.
Similar training programmes will also be held in the future to disseminate information and skills
training to our local agropreneurs. Through these skills training programmes, it is hoped that
more local agropreneurs will venture into new potential crops that have been identified to have
high commercial value.
SMIDEC, IDS TO DEVELOP SME AGRO-BIOENTREPRENEURS
SMIDEC intends to work closely with IDS to develop SME, especially agro-bio entrepreneur in
Sabah. The Regional Director of Small and Medium Industries Corporation, Encik Helmi Zahari
conveys SMIDEC’s intention at a meeting with IDS officials at IDS Conference Room, in Kota
Kinabalu on 11 July 2006. The meeting was chaired by Encik Anthony Kiob, Associate Director
of IDS.
According to Encik Helmi, SMIDEC was established in recognition of the need for a specialised
agency to further promote the development of small and medium industries (SMIs) in the
manufacturing sector through the provision of advisory services, fiscal and financial assistance,
infrastructural facilities, market access and other support programmes.
“SMIDEC strives to create resilient and efficient small and medium enterprises (SMEs), that are
capable of competing in a liberalised market environment,” he said. The Corporation will
promote SMEs to be an integral part of the country’s industrial development capable of
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producing high value-added parts, components and finished products, he added.
“SMIDEC is in the midst of setting up an office in Kota Kinabalu. At present SMIDEC is renting
premises from SEDCOVEST as its temporary office,” Helmi said.
Encik Helmi said SMIDEC paid particular attention to manufacturing sector in Sabah especially
in food processing and production sector. “There is huge potential in this sector and this is where
SMIDEC can play its role in assisting SMEs especially those who are just starting up their
business,” he said.
Encik Anthony in his welcome remark said IDS welcome such collaboration as IDS is also
encouraging the development of entrepreneurs especially agro-bioentrepreneurs.
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