KUCHING: Kota Samarahan has been selected as the site for Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd’s new RM30 million high-technology bakery, which is expected to begin operations in 2027.
Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC) executive director Datuk Dexter Lau said the company had applied for a 7.56-acre site in the area for the development of the facility and had submitted the necessary documentation to secure the land, receiving an in-principle no-objection from the relevant ministry.
He also said that the RM30 million investment would cover the bakery facility as well as supporting infrastructure including a distribution centre, fleet and other operational facilities.
“With this investment, we are creating about 500 job opportunities for Sarawakian.
“We will revive Kota Samarahan Industrial Park and make it the home of the special edition of Gardenia Sarawak products,” he said during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between KTC and Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yayasan Sarawak, witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian here today (July 13).
Lau said the factory is expected to begin operations after the company completes preparations involving packaging, halal certification and ingredient sourcing.
“There is a lot of groundwork. We want to source as many ingredients as possible from Sarawak before importing,” he said.
He said the company would prioritise the use of local raw materials where possible to retain economic value within the state.
The production, he added, would initially focus on selected product lines before expanding gradually to ensure quality control throughout the manufacturing process.
He said the factory would initially produce about 3,000 loaves daily before increasing to 6,000 loaves during the first phase, with future production expected to reach between 10,000 and 20,000 loaves daily.
Lau also said prices would be standardised across Sabah and Sarawak to ensure consumers in the state would not have to pay higher prices due to supply and transportation costs.
“The pricing in Sabah will be the same. It will not be the pricing that you buy from retailers now, which is very high. We do not want Sarawak people to pay extra just to enjoy bread,” he assured.
