TEBEDU: Desa Fair Tebedu 2026 has positioned Bandar Mutiara Tebedu, a border township, as an emerging hub of renewed economic growth, especially for local farmers and small entrepreneurs.
The three-day community-driven event, which drew about 1,000 visitors, is seen as part of broader efforts to stimulate grassroots economic activity and strengthen cross-border cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada said the fair serves as a strategic platform to promote local products and expand market access for rural communities.
“Our vision is to see Tebedu town come alive again and become an active economic growth centre. Close cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia is very important in ensuring economic development in this border area can be further enhanced,” he said when officiating at the opening of Desa Fair Tebedu 2026 on Saturday.
He noted that around 80 per cent of residents in the Tebedu District are farmers who continue to face challenges in marketing their agricultural produce, making initiatives such as Desa Fair crucial in boosting household income and local enterprise development.
Sinang also highlighted ongoing and planned infrastructure investments under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA), including RM46 million allocated for the Tebedu Economic and Cultural Hub.
However, he said the project has experienced minor delays due to a retendering process.
In addition, he also said the government has approved RM5 million for the development of Dataran Mutiara Tebedu, which is expected to commence soon.
“Meanwhile, the ongoing construction of the Temong–Tepoi Road is also expected to improve connectivity and further accelerate development in the surrounding areas,” he said.
