(Kuching, 5th) The Opar Metropolitan Food Cluster (MFC) pilot project has received an investment injection of RM 80 million from the Sarawak government in collaboration with the private sector.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari said that out of the total investment, the Sarawak government will allocate RM 60 million, while the private sector will invest RM 20 million.
“We will invest approximately RM 60 million from the Sarawak government to develop the infrastructure, including water and electricity supply, which is currently insufficient and needs upgrading. The private sector will invest about RM 20 million, focusing on building materials and technology to be used.
Abang Johari said this during a press conference after attending the groundbreaking ceremony of the Opar Metropolitan Food Cluster at Kampung Stungkor Baru.
The project will be built on an 80-hectare land, with an initial development area of 10 hectares, and greenhouse construction is expected to take 18 months.
Abang Johari added that if the Opar Metropolitan Food Cluster succeeds, another facility might be established in Bebuling, Spaoh in the future.
He further commented that identifying Bebuling as the next food cluster site aligns with the construction of the Bebuling STOLport, which will facilitate the export of agricultural products from the region.
“We are currently developing a small airport there, which will help sell our products and add value to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
Earlier, the Premier emphasized in his speech that Opar is the first area in Sarawak to collaborate with the Dutch government in adopting this technology.
He pointed out that the food cluster station will be jointly supervised by Sarawak and the Netherlands, especially in addressing potential challenges, as the Netherlands is renowned and successful in the agricultural sector.