By Karen Masing & Jacintha Jolene
SARIKEI: The Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA) is set to play a key role in driving economic growth and improving livelihoods in the Rajang Delta region as Sarawak steps up efforts to strengthen its position as a major food production hub.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the establishment of RADDA would enable development plans to be implemented in a more organised and effective manner, benefiting Sarikei, Tanjung Manis, and parts of Mukah.
“With RADDA, we can drive various initiatives in a structured way, focusing on resource-based industries, modern port development, and tourism. This approach will enhance the competitiveness of the region, create new job opportunities, and improve the standard of living for local communities.
“We also aim to position the Rajang Delta as an important economic growth hub for Sarawak, including in carbon trading,” he said at the Sarawak-level National Day 2025 celebration at Dewan Suarah Sarikei today.
Abang Johari highlighted the success of a pioneering paddy cultivation project in Tanjung Manis, a collaboration between the private sector and local landowners, which supports Sarawak’s goal of becoming a major rice producer by 2030.
“The project, covering 260 acres in Rejang, has produced two harvests a year with an average yield of four tonnes per hectare. We plan to expand this area to 800 hectares, equivalent to 1,926 acres, in Kuala Rejang,” he said.
He added that Tanjung Manis is being developed as a halal hub to strengthen Sarawak’s role in the halal food processing industry for domestic and international markets.
“With its airport, port facilities, and a dedicated deep-sea fishing terminal, Tanjung Manis is well-equipped to accelerate economic activities and enhance Sarikei’s position as a key food production centre,” he said.
Abang Johari also announced the introduction of the Tanjung Manis Economic Growth Area (T-MEGA), an integrated master plan combining agro-industry, logistics, tourism, and green technology.
“When implemented synergistically, these initiatives will generate job opportunities, spur economic development, and improve the standard of living for local communities involved in the industrial value chain,” he said.
Sarikei and surrounding areas, including Betong, Mukah and Tanjung Manis, are recognised for their high-value crops such as pineapples, black pepper and limes, which the Premier described as forming a “food basket” with strong potential for both domestic supply and export.
“To support this, we have developed an agropark in Sarikei, which will act as a catalyst to boost productivity and open access to wider markets,” he said.
He added that infrastructure upgrades would further accelerate growth in the region.
“The construction of an integrated road and bridge network will improve connectivity, ease transportation for residents, and enhance logistics for agricultural produce,” he said.
