Sebauh to be transformed into agricultural haven

BINTULU: A substantial agricultural park (agropark), spanning 1,073 hectares, will be established in the Sebauh area.

Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the proposed location is near Sungai Senga in the Sebauh District, previously occupied by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).

The Kemena assemblyman elaborated that this agropark, with an estimated cost of RM250 million, aims to serve the residents of 14 longhouses in the Sebauh District.

“This agropark is primarily focused on food production and will serve as a high-tech agricultural benchmark for local farmers,” he said during the presentation of the Minor Rural Project (MRP) grant 2023 Phase 4 for the Kemena constituency at the Bintulu Division Agriculture Department here today (Jan 20).

Rundi also highlighted the ongoing efforts to determine the most suitable crops for the agropark, considering the peatland nature of the proposed site.

“The area is known to be conducive for growing bananas, coconuts, pineapples, and potentially rice, which is currently under study,” he added.

Furthermore, he urged smallholders to adopt innovative farming methods that prioritise high-value crops.

“It’s time to diversify from traditional cash crops like palm oil to more profitable alternatives,” he said.