Supporting locals: Saarani (second from left) looking at products for sale at the Riang Ria Raya bazaar in Ipoh. — Bernama
IPOH: Have confidence to aim for global markets, Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad tells agro-based industry product entrepreneurs.
The Perak Mentri Besar said agro-based industry products like chilli sauce or plant-based chips are high in demand from abroad and entrepreneurs should work hard towards exporting their products overseas.
“The state is prepared to help them. There will be a lot of challenges but we need to encourage them to aim for the international market,” he said after opening the Riang Ria Raya agro-based industry products promotion and sales programme at the Seri Perak Darul Ridzuan building premises here yesterday.
Saarani added that the challenges include needing to ensure their operations can run continuously.
“For instance, banana chip makers will need to ensure they have a feeder so they can get continuous supplies to make their product.
“Entrepreneurs also need to be patient as profits may not be immediate and it could also take some time to get a halal certificate before they can export their products.
“Entrepreneurs would also need to spend money to upgrade their equipment so that their operations can run continuously,” he added.
Earlier, Saarani said six entrepreneurs, under the guidance of the state Agriculture Department, are currently exporting their products abroad.
These companies include Syarikat Syilis Food Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Nab Food Industries, Syarikat Jamilah Mansor Enterprise (M) Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Shahrinie Food Industries, Syarikat Che Din Food Industries and Syarikat Royal Rendang Tok Mak Nik.
“The products are being exported to the UK, Singapore, Turkey and some Middle Eastern countries,” he said.
Separately, Saarani said there is no shortage of vegetables and fruits in the state during the Ramadan fasting month and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
He said produce like watermelon, chilli and leafy vegetables that are mostly sought after during Ramadan have increased in the first quarter of the year.
“Looking at the current trend of the production of vegetables and fruits, the supplies in the state are sufficient to cater to the needs of the people during Ramadan and also Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he added.
