Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in diverse industries worldwide, and Sarawak stands out as a leader in integrating AI into its food industry.
With strong support from the Sarawak state government, AI-driven tools are being deployed to optimize agricultural processes, safeguard food supplies, and encourage eco-friendly practices.
This article reviews the timeline for integrating AI into Sarawak’s food industry, assesses its impact, highlights 2025 advancements, and discusses the promising future of technology in agriculture.
The Beginning of AI-Driven Innovations in Sarawak’s Food Industry
Sarawak began its foray into AI-enhanced agriculture in the late 2010s, implementing initiatives that gradually transitioned traditional farming toward modern, technology-driven systems.
In 2017, the Malaysian Pepper Board (MPB) partnered with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia launched Dr. Lada, an AI-based application supporting pepper farmers in diagnosing pests and diseases.
The application leverages decision tree algorithms to diagnose six pests and ten diseases, providing swift solutions and lowering farmers’ dependence on extension officers.
This initiative represented Sarawak’s inaugural step toward integrating AI into its food industry.
By 2019, AI technology made inroads into aquaculture, focusing on shrimp farming.
Smart feeders and AI-driven paddle wheel systems were implemented, boosting yields by more than 50% and improving product quality.
This marked a key milestone in demonstrating AI’s applicability outside traditional agriculture.
In 2022, the Sarawak Agro-Technology Park (SARTECH) was launched as an initiative under the 12th Malaysia Plan to promote modern agriculture.
With facilities in Semenggok and Tarat, SARTECH drew global agri-tech companies and initiated pilot projects featuring AI-based precision farming and aquaculture systems.
Following the success of Dr. Lada, the Malaysian Pepper Board (MBP) launched NutriLada in 2023 to refine nutrient management practices for pepper cultivation.
Using soil condition analysis and crop-specific data, NutriLada recommended tailored fertilization strategies, boosting productivity while lowering costs.
In 2024, the Sarawak government launched the Sarawak AI Centre to spearhead AI development and its application across multiple industries.
The “AI for Smart Agriculture” initiative, one of its key programs, applies AI-based data analysis to maximize crop yields and encourage sustainable practices.
These achievements laid the groundwork for Sarawak’s AI-powered evolution in the food industry, highlighting the state’s dedication to advancing agriculture through cutting-edge technology.
Effectiveness of AI in Sarawak’s Food Industry
The introduction of AI-powered technologies has generated impactful improvements in Sarawak’s food industry, optimizing efficiency, fostering sustainability, and boosting profitability.
One standout achievement is Sarawak’s TIZA AI, which has enhanced crop yields through AI-enabled gene editing.
Using advanced CRISPR-Cas9 technology, TIZA AI has transformed tobacco cultivation with improved growth traits, enhanced biomass, and a 35% productivity increase compared to traditional methods.
This success highlights the game-changing role of AI in agriculture.
As highlighted above, AI-powered smart feeders and paddle wheel systems, introduced in aquaculture in 2019, have revolutionized shrimp farming, increasing yields by over 50%.
These technologies optimize feeding schedules and water aeration, promoting better growth, higher quality, and reduced waste.
Similarly, AI in tilapia farming has boosted farmers’ monthly income potential by 30–40%.
Apart from that, Dr. Lada and NutriLada have made a significant impact on pepper farming in Sarawak.
Since their introduction, farmers have achieved up to a 25% reduction in crop losses caused by pests and diseases.
Furthermore, NutriLada has enhanced fertilizer efficiency, cutting input costs by 20% while improving pepper quality.
By offering actionable insights and streamlining farming practices, these AI tools have elevated Sarawak’s reputation in global pepper production.
The use of AI in land management has marked a crucial advancement for Sarawak, allowing the state to harness satellite imagery and soil health analytics to optimise agricultural practices.
This strategy ensures sustainability and supports biodiversity preservation while achieving a 15% drop in deforestation rates in farming zones over the last five years.
Overall, implementing AI solutions in Sarawak’s food industry has boosted crop yields, reduced ecological footprints, and strengthened the state’s position as a champion of sustainable farming.
Technological Milestones Achieved in 2025
In 2025, Sarawak’s commitment to innovation remains strong, with the state unveiling the AI.LEGACY system—the world’s first intelligent platform for managing and reporting the impacts of business events hosted in the region.
This ground-breaking AI solution provides real-time data and analytics, paving the way for advancements in various industries, including agriculture.
Additionally, the Sarawak government has launched the “AI Talent Development Initiative” to build a workforce proficient in advanced AI skills.
This initiative addresses the needs of future industries and underscores Sarawak’s focus on driving digital transformation through AI, particularly in industries like the food industry.
Future of Technological Advancements in Sarawak’s Food Industry
Sarawak is poised for remarkable technological growth in its food industry.
With initiatives like the Sarawak AI Centre and the AI Talent Development Initiative, the state is emerging as a leader in sustainable food production.
These initiatives aim to drive innovation, resolve food security challenges, ensure environmental sustainability, and foster economic opportunities within the agri-food industry.
Moreover, Sarawak’s collaboration with international partners, including the Netherlands through the Metropolitan Food Cluster project, highlights the state’s commitment to modernizing agriculture through technology.
As stated by The Right Honourable, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak, the Metropolitan Food Cluster project highlights a ground-breaking partnership with the Dutch government to establish the Metropolitan Food Cluster, focusing on innovation in food production.
This initiative, which employs AI and other advanced tools, emphasizes the high-value production of vegetables, livestock, and other goods, aiming to enhance GDP and transform the agricultural landscape.
By actively incorporating AI technologies into its food industry, Sarawak demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing agriculture, boosting efficiency, and safeguarding food security.
Its strategic efforts have delivered significant outcomes and set the stage for a future defined by sustainable and innovative agri-food practices, offering inspiration to other regions.
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