By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 13: Sarawakians will soon be able to enjoy Gardenia bread produced closer to home as Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC) teams up with Yayasan Sarawak to establish a RM30 million Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) manufacturing plant in Kota Samarahan.
The investment, which is expected to begin operations in 2027, marks a major step in strengthening Sarawak’s food manufacturing sector while keeping more economic value within the State.
The partnership between KTC and Yayasan Sarawak’s wholly-owned subsidiary Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd was formalised today through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
According to a report by TVS, KTC chief executive officer Datuk Dexter Lau said the collaboration represented more than a business venture, but a long-term commitment towards developing Sarawak’s economy, food industry and local talent.
“Ten years ago, when KTC first invested in Sarawak, we did not have a single employee here. Today, we have about 400 Sarawakians working with us,” he said.
He said the growing number of local employees reflected Sarawak’s ability to produce a capable workforce supported by its education system, talent development initiatives and policies.
The Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) plant will be built on a 7.56-acre site in Kota Samarahan after KTC received approval for land allocation from the Sarawak government.
Dexter said the facility would incorporate advanced manufacturing technology while meeting stringent requirements involving halal certification, food safety and quality control before commencing operations.
The plant will also prioritise the use of local raw materials to ensure more economic benefits remain within Sarawak’s supply chain.
Beyond manufacturing, the collaboration will introduce exclusive Gardenia products and special “Sarawak Edition” packaging featuring the State’s identity and heritage.
Meanwhile, Yayasan Sarawak director Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin said the partnership would create returns beyond commercial gains, with benefits channelled towards education and talent development.
“As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yayasan Sarawak, Sanjung Etika is entrusted not only to achieve commercial excellence but also to generate sustainable returns to support Yayasan Sarawak’s mission in expanding education opportunities and developing future generations of Sarawakians,” he said.
At the same time, Dr Sim said the investment demonstrated that Sarawak’s appeal to investors extended beyond its competitive electricity supply.
“Many do not realise that the factors attracting companies to build factories in Sarawak are not just electricity. The quality of our workforce and our quality of life are also important,” he said.
He pointed out that 32.5 per cent of KTC’s workforce in Sarawak comprised locals, reflecting the State’s ability to provide skilled manpower.
Dr Sim said similar confidence had been shown by multinational companies such as Western Digital (WD), which continued expanding its presence in Sarawak despite having operations across several countries and other Malaysian states.
He added that the Sarawak government would continue improving infrastructure, including water supply, roads and healthcare facilities, to support both investors and communities.
Dr Sim said the new Gardenia facility would also end Sarawak’s reliance on bread supplies shipped from outside the State.
“Over the past few years, I noticed many Sarawakians buying Gardenia bread at KLIA to bring back home.
“Now, with a factory in Sarawak, more people can enjoy Gardenia products without depending on supplies from outside the State,” he said.
KTC has invested RM300 million in Sarawak to date, generating about RM400 million in annual revenue through its existing operations while developing assets worth RM140 million in the region. — DayakDaily
