KOTA SAMARAHAN — Sarawak has made national history by becoming the first Malaysian state to implement the e-Pineapple System, a cutting-edge digital initiative aimed at transforming the management of its pineapple industry.
The system was officially launched during the Customer Meeting Day and the Presentation of Incentive Assistance for the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Sarawak Project 2025, held on Thursday.
The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD), Datu Sirai Daha, on behalf of M-FICORD Minister, Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom.
The e-Pineapple System is designed to enhance administrative efficiency by enabling direct data collection from farmers, streamlining production tracking, and facilitating transparent, fast, and effective project monitoring.
“Sarawak is prepared to lead the digital transformation of the agro-food sector, aligning with the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy,” said Datu Sirai.
Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi praised the system as a model for other states to follow, citing its integration of big data and technology to modernise the commodity sector. The initiative also incorporates comprehensive data analytics from farm-level operations to product processing, supporting evidence-based decision-making.
The minister emphasised the importance of partnerships with research and educational institutions to further innovation, technical knowledge, and data support in building a tech-based agricultural ecosystem.
The system also complements various initiatives under LPNM, including the disbursement of over RM23 million in assistance this year for farm infrastructure, planting materials, and pineapple waste bioeconomy research.
Currently ranked second in national pineapple production, Sarawak aims to expand its plantations to 20,000 hectares by 2030, aligning with LPNM’s goal of 30,000 hectares nationwide.
“We are not in competition, but I believe Sarawak has the potential to become Malaysia’s top pineapple producer—and even one of the global leaders,” Dr. Rundi stated.
He also revealed plans to develop a pineapple processing factory in Miri to strengthen the industry value chain and provide market assurance for local farmers and entrepreneurs.
