By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 29: The Rimbunan Kasih (RK) Sundar Project in Lawas is set for revival under a comprehensive recovery plan worth RM1.02 million to upgrade infrastructure and renovate agricultural facilities, marking a new chapter in its development through a strategic Sarawak–Brunei partnership.
The initiative is jointly undertaken by the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), via its subsidiary LCDA Agri Business Sdn Bhd, and Brunei-based Sahamada Corporation Sdn Bhd, a company specialising in seafood and downstream agro-based industries.
LCDA general manager Datu Sr Zaidi Mahdi said the collaboration aims to rejuvenate the project’s potential and empower rural communities through modern agriculture and sustainable aquaculture.
“Although the project faced several operational challenges in its early stages, LCDA never gave up. We are implementing a detailed recovery plan to ensure this initiative fulfils its original vision of improving livelihoods through smart farming and aquaculture,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news.
Zaidi made the remarks during the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) handover ceremony between LCDA and Sahamada Corporation held at the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB) on Tuesday, witnessed by Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin.
He explained that the 21.45-hectare project, developed under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), features residential units, greenhouses, fish and shrimp ponds, a learning centre, and storage facilities.
Operations will be carried out in stages through a rental and revenue-sharing model between the two parties.
“This approach aligns with the Public–Private–Community Partnership (PPCP) concept, which harnesses the strengths of the government, private sector, and local communities to generate sustainable economic and social benefits,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sahamada Corporation advisor Illias Matusin said the collaboration will create jobs, build local capacity, and introduce sustainable, technology-driven farming practices.
He noted that the initiative supports the BIMP-EAGA food basket mission to strengthen agro-industrial and fisheries sectors while enhancing the regional food value chain.
“This partnership reflects the spirit of economic unity between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, particularly Sarawak, and demonstrates the vital role of the private sector in advancing joint development.
“We are committed to implementing this project with integrity, professionalism, and strong environmental and social responsibility,” he said.
The RK Sundar Project aims to enhance rural living standards through smart agriculture and aquaculture, creating sustainable livelihoods and income opportunities for the local community.
Also present were Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Datuk Mohd Aini Atan, STATOB chief executive officer Samat Junai, Sahamada Corporation advisor Illias Matusin, and Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang. — DayakDaily
