State funded warehouse project starts next year

KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM17 million for the construction of Persatuan Peladang Negeri Sarawak (PPNS) warehouse project here, which is expected to commence next year.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the funding for the construction of the project will be fully borne by the Sarawak government.

“We will develop a warehouse building equipped with documentation facilities to export agricultural products and food to international markets,” he said.

He said this during a press conference after officiating at the opening ceremony of the PPNS new building here on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, PPNS chairman Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Ismail informed that the project is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025 and will be fully completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.

“This warehouse will also be equipped with facilities such as storage for agricultural inputs like fertilisers, chemical products, agricultural machinery, and livestock feed.

“A separate building for cold storage will be built for products like fish and fruits. In addition, there will be a designated area for marketing programmes and events,” he said.

The warehouse will be built next to the PPNS Building on a 2.84-acre plot of land.

Regarding the new PPNS building, Abang Johari mentioned that it was constructed with an allocation of RM20 million and is equipped with modern facilities.

“It will also serve as a centre for marketing agricultural products, making it easier for the public to purchase them,” he added.

The building serves as a holistic one-stop centre providing services to farmers in terms of acquiring agricultural inputs, product marketing, and offering training and technical courses.

The main facilities of the building include the Peladang eShop, Meeting Hall, Sales Gallery, Business CentRE, Agro Input Kiosk, and Farmers’ Market.