DUN Sarawak: Sugar industry of Beting Maro received RM12.7 million allocation

KUCHING, 16 Oct: Development of apong sugar industry in Beting Maro region received a total allocation of RM12.7 million through several initiatives to increase the production of nuts, modernise processing and increase local entrepreneurs' income.

Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development of Sarawak, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the initiative includes development of integrated grainfields, provision of processing facilities as well as assistance to small farmers and entrepreneurs.

"The project involves a lease area of 14.6 hectares and the Sugar Apong Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC) in Kampung Tambak, Pusa, Betong", he said when answering questions from Members of Legislative Assembly (ADUN) Beting Maro, Dato Razaili Gapor at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference here today.

According to him, the Agropark development approach which integrates production, processing, packaging and marketing of agricultural products has been implemented through the Integrated Farm Development and Lease Company Project by Sagu and Lease Development Board (SNDB).

Under the Regional Integrated Development (BDDA) initiative, farm development project and integrated lease enterprise as well as CPPC Gula Apong in Kampung Tambak received RM11 million allocation, covering an area of 14.6 hectares, including 4.3 hectares planted by farms.

In addition, RM700,000 was allocated under the BDDA for Sagu and Nipah Entrepreneur Development Project in N29 Beting Maro area, Pusa Region, for preparation of machinery and processing equipment.

Meanwhile, SNDB also implemented the Small Farmers Productivity Improvement Program for Sustainable Nira Supply under Malaysia's Thirteenth (RMK-13) Plan, with an allocation of RM1 million under Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) 2026.

The programme includes access improvement, input and equipment assistance, area rehabilitation as well as training for small farmers, including in Beting Maro.

Commenting on the progress of the project, Dr Abdul Rahman said that construction of CPPC Gula Apong in Kampung Tambak, Pusa is expected to be completed by September 2027, based on the contract period of 18 months starting from March 16, 2026.

"The implementation of the various initiatives is aimed at increasing the production of rice, the added value of apong sugar products and the income of local communities through a more structured supply chain for the grain industry", he said. -TVS