Coffee plantation project tagged for Kpg Braang Bayur signifies focus on rural development

KUCHING (Jan 10): A clustered coffee plantation project will be developed in Kampung Braang Bayur as part of efforts to boost local economic activities and strengthen rural development in the area.

This was announced by State Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil when officiating at the opening of several new public facilities at the village on Friday.

According to a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Dr Jerip said the project, covering about 20 acres with an estimated investment value of RM21 million, should kick off this year.

The Mambong assemblyman also said the project would involve international investors.

“It is aimed at enhancing the village’s economic potential, in that it is expected to open up new economic opportunities for the local community and help create a branded local coffee product that can be promoted beyond Sarawak,” he said in his opening remarks.

At the same event, Dr Jerip also declared open Kampung Braang Bayur’s Neighbourhood Committee (KRT) building and its community hall, as well as unveiled the village logo.

Adding on, he pointed out public facilities as playing an important role in strengthening unity and village identity.

“The development of public infrastructure is vital in fostering community unity, strengthening our sense of belonging, and preparing the rural areas to benefit from future economic and tourism opportunities,” he said.

Dr Jerip hailed such initiatives as ‘timely’, in view of the expectation for the Mambong area to be recognised as part of the Sarawak Delta Geopark (SDGP) listing under Unesco later this year.

He also outlined several other planned initiatives including the development of a RM500,000 Braang community centre, the construction of a community market and improvements to village road networks, in addition to announcing a RM30,000 contribution to the village committee.

The event also featured the presentation of ‘Academic Excellence Incentives’ to six students from Kampung Braang Bayur who achieved excellent results in their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations.