7 September 2023, Bau: SALCRA welcomed sixteen (16) students and two (2) lecturers from Shinshu University of Japan today to Stenggang Oil Palm Estate (OPE) & Bau Palm Oil Mill (BAPOM).

This knowledge exchange aimed to provide the Japanese delegation with insights into the palm oil industry and its role in fostering economic prosperity within the local community.

One of the students expressed their gratitude, saying, “Thank you very much today. I am moved by everyone's warm welcome. Your environmentally conscious and sustainable approach has been very beneficial for us to deepen our understanding of your country.”

Also present with us during tour, BAPOM Manager, Penny Nyapay and Stenggang OPE Manager, Herman Sambikin.

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SALCRA Chairman, YB Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, recently visited SALCRA's Research and Development (R&D) centre in Sg Sebiew, Bintulu, last Friday, March 3, 2023.

SALCRA Deputy General Manager Sikin Sentok warmly welcomed the Chairman upon his arrival at the R&D centre. Jacinta Graley, SALCRA Head of Agronomic, Sustainability and Research, then briefed the attendees on the primary research activities being undertaken at Sg Sebiew.

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During the briefing, Jacinta highlighted various projects being implemented at the R&D centre to improve productivity and sustainability in the agriculture sector. The centre has been researching the propagation and cultivation of high-quality bamboo and gaharu, as these two crops have shown great potential for sustainable agroforestry in Sarawak. Bamboo has been identified as a promising alternative to timber, as it can be harvested every 3 to 5 years without causing environmental degradation. Furthermore, bamboo has a wide range of uses, including construction, furniture, and handicrafts. On the other hand, gaharu, also known as agarwood, is a highly valued commodity in the fragrance industry, with a single kilogram of gaharu fetching up to RM20,000. 

After the briefing, Jacinta led the group on a tour of the bamboo and gaharu plots, demonstrating the centre's efforts in promoting sustainable agroforestry practices. The Chairman was impressed with the progress made by the centre in these areas and, at the same time, emphasized the need for SALCRA to develop into a more vibrant business by creating new profit-making opportunities in the agriculture sector.

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The Chairman also interacted with the staff members and researchers at the centre, acknowledging the vital role played by SALCRA R&D centre in developing innovative solutions for the agriculture sector in Sarawak while stressing that SALCRA needs to ensure that R&D activities are results-oriented and have a clear timeline for implementation to enable SALCRA to allocate resources effectively and develop a broader range of sustainable agriculture practices for the benefit of the community.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman commended the efforts of SALCRA R&D in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and urged the R&D centre to continue their excellent work.

The Chairman's visit to Sg Sebiew has further strengthened the government's commitment towards sustainable agriculture practices in Sarawak. The R&D centre's efforts are expected to pave the way for a more sustainable future for the agriculture sector in the state.

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Also present during the visit were the Director of the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, Dominic Chunggat; General Manager of Pertama Ferroalloys, Yuki Nakamura; Chief Operating Officer of Sarawak Fertilizer Sdn Bhd, Rentap Tommy, and SALCRA Management Team.

by Priscilla Grace Poul

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On the 23^rd of February 2023, a group of 11 undergraduate students including their three accompanying lecturers from Shinshu University of Japan recently visited the Stenggang Oil Palm Estate (OPE) and the Bau Palm Oil Mill (BAPOM) to learn more about the palm oil production.
Palm oil is a versatile and valuable commodity that is used in a wide variety of products, including food, cosmetics, and biofuels. Malaysia is one of the leading producer of palm oil worldwide, and the industry plays a significant role in the country's economy.
The students first arrived at Stenggang OPE and were greeted by Herman Sambikin, the Estate Manager and representatives from the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA). After a quick safety briefing, Johanes Emang Disun, Assistant Estate Manager provided them with an overview of the OPE’s business operations including their day-to-day tasks, application of mechanisation in the plantation management and sustainability practices. They were then taken on a tour of the Stenggang Oil Palm Estate, which covers over 2,609 hectares and produces yield around 6.39 metric tonnes of fresh fruit bunch (FFB) per ha (as of 2021).

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During the tour, the students had the opportunity to see the various stages of oil palm cultivation and management, from nursery establishment, field establishment and immature maintenance to harvesting, delivery and mature upkeep. They were shown the different types of machinery used in the process, including the mist blower and mini-dumper, and were given an explanation of how each machine worked.

The students were also introduced to various sustainability initiatives that have been implemented at the estate, such as the use of empty fruit bunch as organic fertiliser, and beneficial plants as integrated pest management. These initiatives are aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the industry and promoting sustainable practices.

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After the tour of the estate, the students visited BAPOM, where they were welcomed by Penny Nyapay, the Mill Manager. The visiting group were able to see the milling process in action after they were briefed about the business operations at the Mill by Saul Ribai anak Paul, the Mill Engineer. They were shown how FFB is processed to remove impurities and produce high-quality crude palm oil that meets industry standards.

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Throughout the visit, the students were encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions with plantation and mill workers. They were keen to learn more about the industry and its impact on the environment and local communities.

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The visit was a valuable learning experience for the students, who were able to see first-hand how palm oil is produced and the efforts being made to promote sustainable practices in the industry. It also provided them with an opportunity to engage with expertise from the industry and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the palm oil sector in Malaysia.

Overall, the visit not only enhanced the students' education but also promoted greater understanding and cooperation between Japan and Malaysia in the palm oil industry and it is hoped similar initiatives will be organised in the near future to equip more students with knowledge and skills that would be instrumental in their academic and professional pursuits.

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by Priscilla Grace Poul

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5 February 2023, Saratok: KRES sharpshooters were at Dewan Sri Krian for Pertandingan Dart Tertutup Sarawak 2023, Piala ADUN N.38 Kalaka, organised by Kelab Sukan Dart Seratok (KSDS).

The KRES KPSSB team representing SALCRA defeated the KDSS Double AA team in the finals for the Silver Plated category. The pairing of Bennedict Emang and William Gurang brought home a cash prize of Ringgit Malaysia Four Hundred (RM400.00), along with a trophy. It is the first time the SALCRA team has won the annual competition organised by the KSDS.

As the Gold Plated category champion that defeated the LANDAS KASOUL team, the Roda Wars' 15 took a cash prize of Ringgit Malaysia Three Thousand and Two Hundred (RM3,200) and a trophy.

The KRES Dart Team Manager Mr Rimong Riyu thanked all the teams for participating in the competition.

"I am very proud of our achievements this time, after so many years in Dart, we finally produce Double champion in this tournament. Thank you to all teams representing SALCRA for dedicating their time and giving their best," he said.

Eighty (80) teams from all over Sarawak participated in the competition this year. The tournament, which lasted for two days starting on 4th February, was officiated by Tuan Haji Majid Amit Zainuddin, representative of Pusat Khidmat N.38 Kalaka.

by Bennedict Emang Jok

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Kuching, 13^th January 2023 –SALCRA celebrated its Staff Appreciation Dinner on 13^th January 2023 at Bajo Training Centre, Lundu, with the theme “SALCRA Maju”.

The General Manager, Mr. Joseph Blandoi delivered his welcoming speech and followed by the speech from the Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Sarawak cum SALCRA Chairman, Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom.

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The event continued with presentation of awards for the Members of Majlis Bersama Jabatan (2021/2022), Loyalty Service Awards, Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang and special awards for Outstanding Estate, Region and Mill.

Altogether, there were 62 recipients for Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang and 50 recipients for Loyalty Awards.

The winners for the Outstanding Estate 2022 for Highest Fresh Fruit Bunch Production and Highest Returns went to Pakit Oil Palm Estate while for Highest Yield/Ha went to Mongkos Oil Palm Estate.

Meanwhile, the special award for Outstanding Region 2022 went to Sri Aman Region.

The Outstanding Mill 2022 for Best Oil Extraction Rate (OER) and Best Utilisation Rate went to Saratok Palm Oil Mill while Highest Profit went to Bau Palm Oil Mill.

The highlight of the night was the launching of ‘SALCRA Maju’ Song, which the lyric was created by the General Manager, Mr. Joseph Blandoi.

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Among those attended the event were Deputy Ministers, Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman Bin Haji Ismail and wife, Yang Berhormat Encik Martin Ben, Yang Berbahagia Datu Edwin Abit, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Sarawak, Dr. Adrian Susin Ambud, Director of Department of Veterinary, Sarawak, Mr. Siang Mandaw, General Manager of Sarawak Land Development Board and Mr. Dominic Chunggat, Acting Director of Department of Agriculture, Sarawak.

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by Marcella Shareen Mos

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