Datuk Seri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom (seated centre) speaking at a press conference. Photo: Ramidi Subari

SARAWAK’s push to modernise and industrialise its agrofood sub-sector is progressing steadily, with multiple agropark, smart farming and agricultural infrastructure projects moving into key development phases.

Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the ministry is undertaking various initiatives to transform the agrofood sub-sector into a modern, competitive, integrated and sustainable food system.

In this context, he said the Sungai Baji Agropark has completed its infrastructure and agricultural components as of October this year.

“The Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) appointed the anchor company on May 14, 2025. Operations are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with production scheduled for the third quarter of the same year,” he said.

He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.

As for the Lubok Tamang Agropark, he said the master plan has been approved by the State Planning Authority (SPA), with LCDA appointing the anchor company on March 20, 2025.

“Infrastructure development is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2026,” he added.

Dr Rundi said the Bebuling Agropark has selected four anchor companies as operators, with ongoing works involving drainage and bunding systems, farm roads and land clearing led by the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) Sarawak.

“The remaining agropark projects in Asajaya, Mulu, Simanggang, Dalat and Gedong–Semalatong are currently at the pre-implementation stage,” he said.

On smart farming, he said the Precision Farming Parks in Kabuloh (Miri Division) and Sungai Sebiew (Bintulu Division) are under construction and progressing as planned.

He added that land clearing for production plots at SARTECH Tarat and Semenggok has been fully completed.

“This marks a key milestone in accelerating commercial crop development. The Sarawak Land Development Board (SLDB) has been appointed as the managing agent to drive private-sector investments and mobilise farmers and entrepreneurs,” he said.

He also said that preliminary works for Phase 1 of the Metropolitan Food Cluster (MFC) in Opar are progressing on schedule.

On agricultural infrastructure, Dr Rundi said DID Sarawak, as an implementing agency, is undertaking projects under the Regional Development Agencies (RDA) and ‘Projek Rakyat’, supported by a total allocation of RM2.2 billion.

“These involve 703 projects, including rural and farm roads, coastal bunds, riverbank protection, agricultural drainage and related infrastructure across the state,” he said.

He added that 417 projects have been completed as of October this year, with the remainder at various implementation stages.

“Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Rolling Plan 4 for 2025, the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security approved RM14 million for the rehabilitation of two DID agricultural schemes —Mid Sadong III Lubok Trangas in Gedong and Paya Mending in Serian, with works scheduled to begin in the first quarter of next year,” he said.

On farm roads, Dr Rundi said the ministry, through agencies including Department of Agriculture, DID, SALCRA and SLDB, has implemented over 400 farm road projects in 2025, covering more than 1,800 kilometres and benefiting over 13,000 participants.

He also assured representatives from Meradong, Engkilili, Murum, Krian and Batu Danau that more farm road projects will continue in 2026.