Sarawak is expecting new investment opportunities through Tanjung Manis Halal Hub. The Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, highlighted this during the Future of Food and Agricultural International Conference 2024 in Kuala Lumpur.
Awang Tengah also serves as the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development and the Minister for International Trade, Industry, and Investment (MITI). He emphasised Tanjung Manis Halal Hub’s significant role in the state’s economic development strategy.
By 2030, the halal market alone is estimated to reach US$4.5 trillion. Its potential offers promising economic benefits and strengthens Sarawak’s leadership role.
The hub, which covers over 70,000 hectares, is designed to support the food production supply chain.
Tanjung Manis Halal Hub is pivotal to the State’s initiative to reduce import dependency.
“We aspire to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and subsequently become a net food exporter,” said Awang Tengah.
Food imports constituted 6.5 per cent of Malaysia’s total imports in 2023, which amounted to RM78.8 billion. Notably, food imports for Sarawak alone reached RM6.8 billion last year, accounting for 10.9 per cent of the state’s total imports.
Additionally, Sarawak is undergoing an agricultural transformation under its Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. It focuses on integrating modern agricultural technologies such as smart farming, mechanisation, and digital applications.
These measures aim to improve food production efficiency for the export market. As a result, the state is better positioned to enter the international halal market.
Awang Tengah called on the business sector to provide financial support and technical advice to promote the adoption of sustainable farming methods. The Sarawak government shows support by providing training, technical assistance, and financial aid.
He also urged more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and youths to pursue agriculture. He encouraged them to recognise it as a profitable sector.
The Tanjung Manis Halal Hub will help Sarawak achieve economic resilience and lead the global halal market. Leveraging the burgeoning halal market through international trade and agricultural innovation is set to boost the region’s economic growth and sustainability.
