TEBEDU: Serian Division has the potential to become one of Sarawak’s leading contributors to food security and agricultural exports, said Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben during the Serian Division Pre-Christmas Celebration on Friday.

Datuk Martin said the occasion offered a meaningful pause for civil servants to reflect on their service delivery throughout the year, especially following the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting on the 2026 Budget.

He highlighted Serian’s strategic advantages, including fertile land, controlled livestock diseases and close proximity to Kuching Port and the airport, which position the division as a strong hub for agriculture and exports.

“Serian has already exported live pigs to Singapore and Selangor, and discussions are ongoing to expand to Penang. Our production has exceeded RM100 million, and with quality and productivity improvements, we can contribute even more,” he said.

Datuk Martin also acknowledged concerns about frequent electricity disruptions in the division, assuring that SEB’s recently approved joint venture with Shanghai Electric will increase power capacity, with completion targeted for the second quarter of 2028.

He said the government remains committed to enhancing public service delivery and ensuring that communities in Serian, Tebedu and Siburan continue to benefit from available agricultural and development programmes.

The event was also attended by Tebedu Assemblyman, Dr Simon Sinang Bada, alongside district officers and agency representatives from Serian, Tebedu and Siburan. -UKASnews