OFFICIAL LAUNCHING: Jabu signs a plaque to lopen the hypermarket. Also seen are Dian Kiara Sdn Bhd director Ryan Wong (left) and GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd merchandising director Ian Cruddas.
KUCHING: Entrepreneurs in the state’s agriculture industry should focus on quality so that their produce could be marketed internationally, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang.
He said companies such as Giant would not hesitate to distribute high quality products sourced from the state to its stores nationwide.
“The initiative by a private sector such as Giant Hypermarket to sell locally sourced fresh food can help our farmers to generate income. Their produce are assured of no contamination, as they meet our standards of hygienic requirements to protect consumers,” said Jabu yesterday, when opening Giant Kota Padawan hypermarket.
Jabu suggested Giant sell seasonal fruits like durians and jackfruits at the hypermarket’s compound, as the fruits met with international standards.
“Sarawak durian is popular because of its delicious taste compared to durians in Peninsular Malaysia. I feel that there is a potential to market our durians to other parts outside the state.
“As such, I suggest Giant take the initiative to set up special stalls to market this ‘king of fruits’,” he said, adding that his Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture would strengthen agricultural development through research and development (R&D) programmes.
Currently, he said, the state government is working on improving production of high value fish such as empurau and terubok because there is high demand not only locally but also at international level.