LUNDU: The Sarawak Metropolitan Food Cluster (SMFC) project in Stungkor here is expected to become a new catalyst for the transformation of the state’s modern agricultural sector through high-tech applications aimed at increasing high-value food production and strengthening the state’s food industry chain.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that the SMFC Opar project is a strategic initiative by the Sarawak government to modernise agriculture by applying the latest farming technologies to boost productivity and reinforce the food supply chain from production to market.
“This project will leverage modern technology adapted from the Netherlands to produce high-value food products and connect local production with global markets.
“Furthermore, this project aims to attract the younger generation to venture into an agro-business sector that is more modern, technological, and competitive,” he was quoted as saying in an UKAS report during a site visit to the SMFC project on Monday (Mar 9).
The project, covering approximately 84 hectares, is poised to become a vital integrated agro-development hub in Sarawak and a potential model for the future of the agricultural sector.
The planned infrastructure for the project includes a consolidation centre, beverage processing plant, animal feed processing plant, greenhouse and greenhouse service centre, and an experience centre, comprising an event hall, retail centre, and office area.
In addition to increasing the state’s food production capacity, the SMFC Opar project is expected to open new economic opportunities for the local community through job creation, technology transfer, and the involvement of local entrepreneurs in the modern agro sector.
The visit provided an opportunity for government leaders and relevant agencies to review current progress and coordinate efforts to ensure the project’s smooth implementation for the economic benefit of the Opar and Lundu areas.
