LUNDU: The 80-hectare Opar Metropolitan Food Cluster (MFC) aspires to cultivate top-notch crops for domestic and international markets, with Singapore among the key destinations.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasized the need for sophisticated logistics systems to maintain the freshness of highly perishable crops like salad greens and tomatoes during transport to markets abroad.
“When targeting markets like Singapore, it’s imperative to ensure daily deliveries so that products such as salad greens and tomatoes retain their freshness for consumers,” he highlighted during a press conference following the groundbreaking ceremony of Opar MFC in Stungkor Baru on December 5.
Abang Johari revealed that the initial phase would encompass 10 hectares and is anticipated to span approximately 18 months due to the construction of greenhouses. These greenhouses will spearhead the adoption of machines and technology to expedite crop growth.
“The dependence on soil texture diminishes within the greenhouse setup as it heavily relies on ecosystem management. Success in this endeavour could pave the way for small-scale farmers to collaborate with larger counterparts, ensuring the sale of high-quality produce that meets industry standards,” he affirmed.
The Premier hinted at the potential replication of the Opar MFC model in Bebuling, Spaoh, a region where a small airport is under construction to facilitate product marketing. This strategic move is expected to bolster the state’s GDP and propel the agricultural sector to greater heights.
The Opar MFC stands as a testament to the synergy between the government and the private sector, with the Sarawak government injecting an estimated RM60 million for infrastructure enhancements such as water and electricity supply upgrades. Concurrently, the private sector is set to contribute RM20 million towards materials and technological advancements.
An integral feature of this initiative involves technology management shared between Sarawak and the Netherlands.
“It encompasses a collaborative command system where activities are closely monitored in the Netherlands. Through seamless cooperation between the Dutch and us, any challenges that arise can be swiftly addressed,” he elaborated.
Also present were Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Datuk Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel representing State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki, Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, Dutch Ambassador to Malaysia Jacques Louis Werner, Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang, and Sarawak Metropolitan Food Cluster chief operating officer Darren Ho.
