SERIAN: The Kampung Labak Tungan Maize Farm expansion project under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) Phase 2 Project is expected to increase maize production in the Serian District thus strengthening the food security agenda and reducing Sarawak's dependence on livestock feed imports.

Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben said that the implementation of the project will not only increase the yield of maize, but also have a positive impact on the development of the agricultural sector and generate income for the local community.

"This farm has the potential to be one of the main catalysts to increase corn production in Serian, thereby supporting the government's efforts to strengthen the state's food security," he said.

He said this during a working visit to the Kampung Labak Tungan Maize Farm here, on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Bukit Semuja Assemblyman John Ilus said the farm expansion project under GKCDA Phase 2 involved an allocation of RM3.5 million.

According to him, the government also allocated RM7.6 million for the construction of an access road and a maize collection center to strengthen farm operations and facilitate the marketing of agricultural produce, with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) as the implementing agency.

John said that the farm now covers an area of ​​6.13 hectares for Phase 1 and is only capable of producing two harvests a year.

"With the expansion of planting areas as well as the provision of new infrastructure, maize production is expected to increase thus supporting the development of the rural economy and Sarawak's food security agenda," he said.

He also shared that up to May 2026, Sarawak has spent about RM160 million on the import of livestock feed, while throughout the year 2025, expenditure on importing grain and animal feed will reach RM429 million.

According to him, the success of the Kampung Labak Tungan Maize Farm expansion project has the potential to reduce Sarawak’s dependence on imported livestock feed by up to 30 per cent, thus saving the state’s expenditure and strengthening the local food supply chain. -UKASnews