LIMBANG: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) continues to strengthen the development of Sarawak's agricultural sector through Limbang Division’s emphasis on strategic crops and the implementation of the Permanent Food Production Park (TKPM) project as an effort to increase food security and boost the local economy.

Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said that for 2026, the Sarawak Government has allocated RM326 million to the ministry, while the Federal Government is channeling an additional RM158 million.

According to him, the large allocation reflects the government's continued commitment in strengthening the agricultural sector as an important contributor to food security and the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“In the 13MP, the agricultural sector is growing rapidly throughout Sarawak with significant funding support. We hope that this field will continue to develop and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy,” he said when met by the media during a working visit to the Limbang Agricultural Station and the TKPM site, on Thursday.

The Bukit Kota Assemblyman explained that several of the main crops being focused on in Sarawak include durian, coconut, pineapple and banana.

Meanwhile, in Limbang, special crops such as petai and honey lime are also being given attention based on soil suitability and encouraging market demand.

He also informed that two main projects are being implemented, namely the TKPM and the Limbang and Lawas Collection, Processing and Packaging Centres (CCPC).

The TKPM project, which is an initiative of the Federal Government, began in 2020 and is expected to be fully completed in 2027, covering a total area of ​​27 hectares.

Of this amount, 26 hectares are allocated for honey jackfruit plantations involving six participants, with each participant cultivating about five hectares, which has now started producing results.

According to Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman, the implementation of TKPM opens up opportunities for individuals who do not have their own land to venture into commercial agriculture, thus increasing their income and standard of living.

In addition, the development of Rain Protection Structures (SPH) for indoor fertigation crops was also implemented involving chilli, melon and high-quality vegetables.

In a similar development, the Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CCPC) Limbang is expected to begin operating this year as soon as the machines and equipment are received.

The centre will operate in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for developing farmers as suppliers of agricultural produce to the centre.

He stressed that Limbang and Lawas are not left behind in the development of the agricultural sector, where the northern area of ​​Sarawak has been identified as one of the fertile areas with high potential for various types of crops.

Apart from commercial crops, rice cultivation in the Pendam area is also emphasised as a measure to strengthen local food security.

With the implementation of the 13MP and strong allocation support, he expressed confidence that the agricultural sector in Limbang and the rest of Sarawak will continue to grow, thus positively impacting the well-being of the people and the state's economic growth. -UKASnews