BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The implementation of the Rimbunan Kaseh (RK) Sundar Lawas Project reflects the Sarawak Government’s strong commitment to ensuring that economic development is carried out in a balanced, inclusive, and high-impact manner, particularly in rural areas.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said that the project, undertaken under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), will serve as a major catalyst for local economic development in Lawas, while also creating wider opportunities for community participation in modern, technology-based agricultural activities.

“We want to see rural communities become part of the mainstream development process.

“Through projects such as this, we are not only enhancing economic output but also transforming people’s livelihoods through the adoption of modern and sustainable agricultural practices,” he said.

He made the remarks when speaking at the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) Handover Ceremony for the project, held at the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei Darussalam (STATOB) on Tuesday.

The MoA, signed between LCDA Agri Business Sdn. Bhd. and Sahamada Corporation Sdn. Bhd., was witnessed by Datuk Amar Awang Tengah together with Brunei Darussalam’s Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin.

In the same speech, the Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak also emphasised that private sector involvement is crucial to ensure the full development of the RK Sundar Project.

He said the Sarawak Government’s role is to provide clear policies and facilitate implementation, while the private sector should act as the driving force of growth.

“With regard to this project, the infrastructure is already in place. I have been involved since the early planning stages, and to expand it further, private sector participation is essential.

“I hope this project will succeed, and I am confident that it will bring a positive impact to the community,” he stressed.

Also present at the ceremony were the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Datuk Mohd Aini Atan, General Manager of the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), Datu Sr Zaidi Mahdi, Chief Executive Officer of STATOB, Samat Junai, Advisor of Sahamada Corporation Sdn Bhd, Illias Matusin, Batu Danau Assemblyman, Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang, and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews

Reporter: Leya Ameera Annuar Rigos
Translator: Uilson Ng
Photographer: Shairazi