KOTA KINABALU: The exploration and strengthening of downstream activities must become part of the culture and direction in efforts to produce high value-added downstream products.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said this approach is an important strategy to maximise the value of the agro-food sector chain, increase the income of agro-entrepreneurs and strengthen food security.
“We need to transform from a state that depends solely on the export of raw agricultural commodities into a producer and exporter of high-value finished products processed from locally produced agricultural commodities.
“We need to shift towards producing downstream products with high added value. This will directly improve the well-being and standard of living of our farmers, growers, smallholders and fishermen by increasing the economic value of their agricultural produce.
“The launch of the Lumi Borneo latex pillow today is clear proof of the capability of local agencies such as the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS) in optimising the State’s natural resources,” he said after officiating at the launch of the Lumi Borneo Latex Pillow here on Saturday.
His speech was delivered by Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
He said strengthening downstream activities would also contribute to the creation of employment opportunities for the community, particularly local youths.
“Certainly, these downstream or processing activities will require manpower in production, packaging, logistics, marketing, quality control and other related activities. This will also create opportunities for local entrepreneurs to participate,” he said.
He said the State Government would continue to support all sectors, including Sabah’s rubber industry, to enable them to grow while at the same time providing better returns to rubber smallholders.
.“I believe that with strong leadership and management, LIGS has vast opportunities to explore other downstream products such as latex mattresses and rubber footwear. Do not stop at pillows. Step up efforts to diversify the production of high-quality rubberbased products,” he said.
Meanwhile, the production of pillows using locally sourced latex is the first of its kind in Sabah, marking an important milestone in the development of the State’s rubber industry.
“Surely, the rubber smallholder community can take pride in seeing the latex or rubber milk they produce being processed into the final Lumi Pillow product.
“What is even more encouraging is that this product is not produced by any private company, but is developed based on the expertise and strength of the LIGS team,” he said.
