Sarawak JV With Dutch To Start Agro Pilot Project In Opar

LUNDU (Sarawak), Dec 5 (Bernama) -- Sarawak will build 10 hectares of greenhouses as the start of developing the Opar Metropolitan Food Cluster (MFC) pilot project, which is expected to be completed in 2026, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said that the effort, which has the cooperation of the Dutch government, will be equipped with advanced technology aimed at adapting modern agriculture to increase the yield of crops for export abroad.

"Metropolitan Food Cluster (MFC) includes food produce such as high-value vegetables and livestock including animal husbandry and for the start of this 10 hectares, it will take 18 months.

"This smart technology is managed in Sarawak and the Netherlands so it is a joint command, which means the Netherlands will also monitor and resolve any weaknesses arising from the technology used," he said after performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the MFC Opar project today.

Abang Johari said the initiative involves a state allocation of approximately RM60 million for building infrastructure while the private sector is pumping in RM20 million for materials and technology use.

He also called on smallholders around Lundu as well as graduates to take the opportunity to venture into modern agriculture and make it a career.

"We chose Opar as the location for this pilot project, which covers an area of ​​approximately 80 hectares in total. If this project is successful, it will be expanded to other areas in the state.

"If this is successful, it means that our smallholders can become a big partner in this project and can sell food products because we want the quality of agricultural products to be marketable outside of Malaysia, including Singapore," he said.

-- BERNAMA