By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 5: The Metropolitan Food Cluster (MFC) Opar pilot project will leverage agricultural technology from the Netherlands to enhance Sarawak’s food security, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced today.
The project will be developed on an 80-hectare site in Opar, Lundu, and is a collaboration between the Sarawak government and the private sector.
The Sarawak government will invest approximately RM60 million to develop essential infrastructure, including water and electricity supply, while the private sector will contribute RM20 million for materials and technology.
“The technology used for MFC Opar will be managed both in Sarawak and the Netherlands, meaning it is a joint command.
“Activities here will be monitored in the Netherlands as well, and any issues arising will be addressed collaboratively,” Abang Johari said during a press conference following the groundbreaking ceremony for the project.
He added that the initiative has the potential to create partnerships between smallholder farmers and larger producers, enabling local farmers to market their products internationally, particularly in Singapore.
“If this is successful, our smallholder farmers can collaborate with larger producers to market their products abroad, such as in Singapore,” he explained.
Abang Johari highlighted that the project is a part of Sarawak’s strategy to modernize its agricultural industry, transitioning from conventional methods to high-tech agriculture. He emphasized the need for farmers to adopt intelligent farming practices, which require the involvement of graduates to ensure technological proficiency.
“Through the application of technology, farmers can achieve high-income jobs by selling fresh, high-quality produce to international markets. For example, a packet of tomatoes that sells for RM40 here could be sold for 40 Singapore dollars in Singapore. This currency exchange creates significant value,” he said. — DayakDaily
