KUCHING – The Ministry for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) is set to reassess its role in order to sharpen its focus and improve the effectiveness of policy implementation.
Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the ministry’s broad scope, which spans agriculture, land development and rural development, has made it a complex entity in terms of planning and execution.
He noted that streamlining responsibilities would help ensure clearer governance and more targeted delivery of services.
Speaking at the 2026 Gemilang Agro-Based Industry Dinner on Wednesday, Dr Rundi explained that M-FICORD may introduce additional ministers, capped at four, to share responsibilities while maintaining the same level of public service. This, he said, would allow the ministry to concentrate more effectively on its core tasks.
Dr Rundi also highlighted the need for a dedicated unit within the ministry to manage seasonal fruits. He expressed concern that while farmers had been encouraged to cultivate fruits such as durian and dabai, systematic management of these crops had not yet been established.
He stressed the importance of moving downstream to create marketable products from seasonal produce.
“Durian can be made into paste, ice cream and so on, including dabai, which can also be made into various products,” he said.
Such initiatives, he added, would not only support farmers but also strengthen Sarawak’s agro-based industry by diversifying product offerings.
The minister emphasised that reassessing the ministry’s role is a strategic measure to ensure policies are implemented more effectively, while also enhancing the well-being of rural communities.
He noted that the ministry’s responsibilities are vital to Sarawak’s economic growth, particularly in supporting agriculture and commodity-based industries.
The event was attended by M-FICORD Permanent Secretary Datu Sirai Daha, Sarawak Agriculture Department Deputy Director Gilbert Igi, and staff from the Agriculture Department, underscoring the collaborative effort required to achieve the ministry’s objectives.
The reassessment of M-FICORD’s role reflects broader efforts by the Sarawak government to strengthen governance and ensure ministries remain responsive to evolving challenges.
With agriculture and rural development continuing to play a central role in the state’s economy, the ministry’s restructuring is expected to provide clearer direction for future growth.
