SRI AMAN – Fishermen and agro-based industry players in Sarawak have been urged to cultivate cash crops as a way to cushion the impact of the Northeast Monsoon (MTL) on their livelihoods.
Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, said the fishing community is among the most vulnerable during the bad weather season, with income often disrupted by rough seas and limited fishing opportunities.
“The fishing community is the most affected by MTL. For this reason, fishermen should be educated to cultivate cash crops such as cucumbers, vegetables and okra that can be harvested in a short time before the arrival of MTL. Don’t rely on just one job because they are not professionals,” he explained at a press conference held during the Batang Lupar Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) Farm Day Programme in Tanjung Bijat.
Dr Rundi stressed that diversifying into short-term crops would provide fishermen with alternative income streams, ensuring greater resilience against seasonal challenges.
He added that his ministry has directed the Agriculture Department to register participants via the eTani system, which will help identify the main agricultural sectors residents are engaged in.
“This action is necessary to enable the ministry to provide assistance to farmers affected in their respective main sectors to avoid wasting resources. We will help farmers affected by MTL but not comprehensively, and we will also inform them about the risks they will face in their respective sectors such as disease transmission, weather and demand problems,” he said.
The initiative reflects Sarawak’s broader strategy to strengthen rural development and food security by encouraging communities to adopt sustainable practices.
Officials believe that cash crops, which can be harvested quickly, will provide a reliable buffer against income loss during monsoon seasons.
The event was attended by Bukit Begunan Assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang, Sri Aman Division Resident Mahra Salleh, Sarawak Agriculture Director Dominic Chunggat, Sri Aman Land and Survey Department Superintendent Michaelson Nyisin, and IADA Batang Lupar Director Irene Lah, underscoring the collaborative effort between government agencies and local leaders.
By promoting crop cultivation alongside fishing, Sarawak aims to build a more resilient rural economy, ensuring that communities can withstand seasonal disruptions while contributing to the state’s agricultural growth.
