Local Food, Smarter Tracking

Technology is reshaping Sarawak’s food habits through AI-driven apps, smart farming, and localized tools that improve calorie tracking, health awareness, and digital accessibility for rural and urban communities alike.

In recent years, the intersection of food and technology in Sarawak has witnessed rapid advancement, driven by health awareness, digital innovation, and the need for more personalized nutritional tools. These developments signal an evolving trend where Artificial Intelligence (AI), mobile applications, and digital platforms are now integral to how food is produced, managed, and consumed in the state.

The Calorie Counting Challenge in Sarawak

Malaysia, including Sarawak, faces a growing public health concern related to diet and obesity. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, over 50% of Malaysian adults are overweight or obese. One contributing factor is the lack of accurate, localized dietary information. Most global calorie-tracking apps do not recognize local dishes like laksa Sarawak, ayam pansuh, or umai, leaving users to estimate or guess nutritional values.

This information gap has led to inaccurate tracking and reduced motivation for users to maintain healthy eating habits. Furthermore, many apps are not user-friendly for older adults or those in rural areas due to language barriers, complex interfaces, and the absence of local food databases.

Emerging Solutions: Technology-Based Dietary Tools

One promising innovation is MyDietCam, an AI-powered app developed by Universiti Malaya. The app uses image recognition technology to identify food items and estimate their nutritional values. Notably, it focuses on Malaysian meals and has the potential to be adapted for Sarawakian cuisine. MyDietCam won a Silver Award at the Malaysia Technology Expo 2022 for its groundbreaking approach.

Table 1shows the key features of the MyDietCam app, highlighting its AI capabilities and potential for Sarawakian localization.

Another local educational innovation is JejaKalori, a bilingual board game developed by UKM to educate children and adults on calorie balance using real Malaysian foods. It gamifies learning and raises nutritional awareness in a culturally relevant way, serving as a complementary offline approach to digital solutions.

Sarawak-Specific Initiatives

Sarawak has also embraced technology in agriculture and food management. For instance, smart farming solutions, highlighted in the Sarawak Tribune, include the use of IoT and AI to monitor crop conditions and ensure food security. AI tools such as DR.LADA and NutriLADA, developed with the Malaysian Pepper Board, use data to improve crop yields and manage food production processes efficiently.

In the realm of consumer services, Ketek, a Sarawak-born food delivery app, showcases how digital platforms can address hyper-local needs. The app offers services in Malay, English, Chinese, and Iban, and includes a halal/non-halal filter, making it accessible to a diverse population. While Ketek is not a calorie-counting app, its success highlights the feasibility of creating Sarawak-specific digital food platforms.

Challenges and the Need for Localized Solutions

Despite progress, several issues persist:

• Lack of Local Data: Most calorie apps lack input for Sarawakian cuisine.
• Digital Divide: Rural communities may lack access to smartphones or stable internet.
• Low Engagement: Existing tools often miss cultural relevancy or user-friendly features.

Proposed Resolution: A Sarawak-Calorie Tracking App

To address these gaps, developing a Sarawak-specific AI-driven calorie counting app can offer a comprehensive solution.

Resolution Process:

1. Data Collection: Collaborate with local universities, dietitians, and communities to compile a Sarawakian food database.
2. AI Training: Train image recognition models using local food images (like umai, linut, manok pansoh).
3. Localization: Build UI in Iban, Malay, and English. Include voice input for rural accessibility.
4. Integration: Sync with delivery platforms like Ketek for real-time nutritional tracking.

Table 2 outlines the resolution steps for developing a localized calorie-tracking app, including key processes and stakeholders involved at each stage.

Benefits to Stakeholders

• Public: Improved health literacy and personal nutrition tracking.
• Healthcare Sector: Easier data collection and preventive health strategies.
• Local Developers: Tech innovation opportunities and app monetization.
• Food Vendors: Better digital exposure and consumer trust through transparency.

Areas for Improvement

To ensure long-term success:

• Implement open-data platforms so researchers and developers can update the food database.
• Introduce gamified features similar to JejaKalori to encourage consistent use.
• Offer offline functionality for users in low-connectivity areas.

The integration of AI and digital technology into Sarawak’s food ecosystem is no longer just an innovation – it’s a necessity. A localized calorie-tracking app, equipped with culturally relevant features, has the potential to transform public health, digital inclusion, and food literacy in the state. By building upon existing tools like MyDietCam, JejaKalori, and Ketek, Sarawak can become a model for smart, health-conscious digital living in Malaysia.

References

1.         https://spm.um.edu.my/2022/04/06/mydietcam-won-a-silver-award-at-the-malaysia-technology-expo-mte-2022/  

2.         https://www.rakansarawak.com/v3/2025/03/10/ai-driven-innovations-in-sarawaks-food-industry/  

3.         https://www.sarawaktribune.com/revolutionising-sarawaks-agriculture-through-smart-farming/  

4.         https://www.sarawaktribune.com/and-now-ketek-sarawaks-own-delivery-app/  

5.         https://www.sarawaktribune.com/sarawaks-own-food-delivery-app-ready-for-launch/  

6.         https://ukmace.com/technologies/jejakalori-malaysia_s-first-nutrition-edutainment-board-game/  

7.         https://www.foodbuddy.my/blog/exploring-the-features-of-ai-calorie-counting-apps  

8.         chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://iptk.moh.gov.my/images/technical_report/2020/4_Infographic_Booklet_NHMS_2019_-_English.pdf  

9.         https://says.com/my/news/national-health-survey-finds-that-50-of-malaysians-are-either-overweight-or-obese