MARUDI – A significant financial injection of RM10 million has been pledged by the government to support thousands of pepper cultivators in Sarawak.
The allocation, administered through the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB), is designed to bolster the nation’s rapidly expanding pepper sector.
The funding is intended to directly assist more than 35,000 active pepper entrepreneurs across the state. It will be distributed via several support programmes that encompass agricultural input subsidies, skills enhancement workshops, and the adoption of contemporary farming technology. The overarching goal is to enhance both crop productivity and quality.
Dato Anyi Ngau, the Chairman of the MPB, confirmed the allocation while officiating the Pepper Crop Promotion Seminar 2025.
He stressed the government’s firm commitment to ensuring pepper farmers can advance and sustain their competitiveness in the global marketplace. He highlighted Sarawak’s pivotal role as the country’s primary pepper production centre.
The state currently boasts a cultivation area of approximately 8,000 hectares, cementing its status as Malaysia’s leading hub for the crop. Dato Anyi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Baram, provided further context on Malaysia’s international standing.
The nation is currently ranked as the fifth-largest pepper producer worldwide, with its produce acknowledged for its superior quality on the international stage.
The industry is not merely an export earner but also a vital component of the rural economic framework. The chairman emphasised that pepper cultivation plays a major role in elevating the income of communities in rural areas, particularly within Sarawak. The state contributes an impressive 3,000 metric tonnes of pepper to the market each year.
Meanwhile, Vincent Sawat, the Director-General of the MPB, elaborated on the seminar’s purpose. He described the event as part of the board’s continuous efforts to fortify the expertise and capabilities of those in the pepper industry.
Participants were not only educated on systematic planting methodologies but were also introduced to advanced technological solutions.
These include the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimise yields and improve farm management practices.
The seminar also served to inform attendees about the various assistance schemes available through the MPB.
The programme successfully attracted over 150 participants, comprising local pepper entrepreneurs, residents, and community leaders from the Marudi district.
The event was also attended by a representative from the Miri Division Resident’s office, Reagen Edwin. This substantial financial backing and targeted educational initiatives signal a concerted push to future-proof a traditional industry.
By integrating modern technology with direct support, authorities aim to secure the long-term viability and prosperity of Sarawak’s pepper farming community.
