By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
GOPENG: The Perak Halal Industrial Park (Perak HIP) @ Lekir is poised to become an integrated hub for the halal industry, encompassing food processing, livestock production, and modern logistics, strengthening the state’s agri-food ecosystem.
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the initiative is expected to attract high-quality investments from local and international players while creating thousands of new job opportunities for the people of Perak.
“The state government is also committed to expanding the use of smart agricultural technologies such as automation, sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics, through partnerships with agencies like MARDI and MRANTI,” he said.
He spoke at the closing ceremony of FAMA Fest 2025 @ Perak held at RTC Gopeng yesterday.
Also present was Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
Saarani said FAMA Fest has evolved beyond a marketplace into a vital platform for generating rural income and empowering agri-entrepreneurs, especially among youth.
This year, over 90% of participants were local entrepreneurs, with the festival targeting RM3 million in sales and drawing more than 150,000 visitors.
He added that Perak’s natural strengths — including fertile soil and abundant water resources — offer long-term potential for agriculture, especially in districts like Kerian, Perak Tengah, and Hilir Perak, which have long served as key contributors to the nation’s food supply.
To support the development of skilled agropreneurs, the state government has introduced various agriculture-related Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs, including the Agricultural Certificate program at the Titi Gantong Agriculture Institute, fisheries training at the Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Fisheries College, and a TVET postgraduate education program at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).
“FAMA Fest demonstrates how a comprehensive ecosystem, backed by policy support, community participation, technology, training, and promotion, can propel Perak to become a leader in the nation’s food industry,” he said.
