KUCHING: Medan Niaga Satok will be further strengthened as a key distribution hub for agricultural produce, fresh food, and locally manufactured small industry products.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that with technological support and strategic marketing, the state aims to position Medan Niaga Satok as a symbol of the people’s economic strength and Sarawak-made products.
He added that the move aligns with the state’s broader goal of strengthening food security, which has been identified as a strategic priority to reduce dependence on external supplies.
“The Sarawak Government has set its sights on becoming a food exporter by 2030.
“In this effort, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA), as the federal marketing agency, plays an important role in helping Sarawak expand market access, strengthen distribution systems, and promote local products to wider markets.
“I believe that with the cooperation of the government, agencies such as FAMA, farmers, traders, entrepreneurs, and the youth, we can build a modern, dynamic, and sustainable agricultural ecosystem,” he said.
He said this in his text speech read by Deputy Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, when officiating the Medan Niaga Satok 2025 Carnival at Medan Niaga Satok here today.
FAMA Director-General, Abdul Rashid Bahri, highlighted that the carnival provides a platform for entrepreneurs to expand markets nationwide and eventually overseas.
He said that this year, representatives from Penang were invited to showcase their products, which sold out in a single day despite being stocked for three days.
“This shows that this area, especially Sarawakians, are very receptive to products from outside, especially from the West Malaysia.
“Therefore, I hope strong ties between these regions continue, as this strong cooperation is very meaningful to FAMA between the federal and state governments and also benefits Sarawak’s entrepreneurs and farmers,” he said.
He added that FAMA is also working to bring fresh products from Sarawak, especially coconuts and bananas, and is sourcing some from Sabah to meet supply shortages.
“So there is no problem in marketing commodities from Sarawak to the Peninsula. I hope Sarawak entrepreneurs will continue to improve quality and maintain their credibility as reliable suppliers to move forward with us in the mainstream economy,” he added.
Medan Niaga Satok has shown encouraging performance, with sales rising from RM62.23 million in 2023 to RM65.67 million in 2024, and RM55 million recorded up to October 2025, demonstrating its role as a key centre for the state’s agro-food marketing.
Together with the state government, FAMA has also promoted Medan Niaga Satok as an agro-tourism destination, allowing tourists, especially from Peninsular Malaysia, to access Sarawak specialties such as salted ‘terubuk’ fish and original ‘kuih lapis’, as well as products from Penang and other states.
