By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 24: Sarawak is set to establish its first Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-certified facility for producing nutraceutical products from local biological resources, with RM6 million allocated under the Sarawak Budget 2026.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader push to conserve the environment while promoting sustainable industries across the State.
The nutraceutical facility, the first of its kind in Sarawak, will utilise local biological resources to produce health-related products, aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability.
It represents a significant step toward fostering green industries while providing opportunities for research, innovation, and bioeconomy development in the state.
“We will continue to strengthen our commitment to conserve and sustainably manage the environment. Efforts are focused on protecting natural ecosystems, restoring degraded landscapes, and promoting responsible use of resources to ensure long-term ecological balance and social well-being,” he said during the tabling of the Sarawak Budget 2026 at the Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
The 2026 budget earmarks a total of RM30.73 million for the Sustainable Environmental Management Framework, building on the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030.
The framework emphasises responsible use of natural resources, cleaner energy, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control.
Under this framework, several projects will be funded to advance sustainable development.
This includes the Bio Industrial Park and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Bioprocesses Commercial Centre in Samarahan (RM10 million); the Sustainable Forest Management Centre in Loba Kara, Kuching (RM3 million); environmental programs led by the Natural Resources and Environmental Board (RM6.2 million); and strengthened forest enforcement through advanced technology and equipment (RM1.4 million).
Other environmental priorities in the Sarawak Budget 2026 include forest landscape restoration, wildlife protection, and the continued development of Sarawak Delta’s bid for UNESCO Global Geopark status.
The Forest Landscape Restoration Programme will receive RM2.4 million to rehabilitate degraded forests, expand nurseries, and engage communities and the private sector.
Meanwhile, RM4.8 million will be dedicated to strengthening the management of Totally Protected Areas, ensuring long-term biodiversity preservation.
Sarawak Forestry Corporation will lead operational and enforcement efforts, supported by a RM62 million allocation for 2026, while additional funding of RM6.2 million will support forest research, urban forest development, artificial intelligence applications and forensic timber identification for forest protection, and intensified management of bio-rich areas. — DayakDaily
