KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was honoured with the Sarawak Agriculture Department 100-Year Special Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sector.
The award celebrates the Premier’s pivotal role in revolutionising agriculture through digitalisation, the adoption of modern technologies, and the promotion of green eco-solutions and a circular economy, which have ushered in a new era of productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness for Sarawak’s agriculture industry.
The award was presented by Sarawak Agriculture Director Dominic Chunggat during a gala dinner held at Raia Hotel last night (Nov 25) to commemorate the department’s centennial anniversary.
The event also honoured 10 former directors of the Sarawak Agriculture Department for their dedicated service by conferring on them the 100 Years Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the department’s legacy.
The recipients were Dr Alvin Chai Lian Kuet who served from 2018 to 2022; Datu Lai Kui Fong who served from 2011 to 2018; Paul Vincent Ritom who served from 2006 to 2011; Datu Mohd Sepuan Anu who served from 1999 to 2006; and the late William Chang Wei Say who served from 1997 to 1999.
Others were Edwin Liew Chung Hiun who served from 1996 to 1997; Julaihi Ismail who served from 1993 to 1996; Datu Henry Bakit Jantum who served from 1992 to 1993; Andrew Tan Chiok Chiew who served from 1990 to 1992; and Datuk Joseph Kong Teck Chong who served from 1974 to 1990.
