Pepper processing factory improves Kadamaian economy
A black pepper mini processing factory at Kampung Lompios, Kadamaian is among the initiatives included in the Kadamaian Development Master Plan under rural entrepreneurship development.
The presence of the factory is supported by Kadamaian assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick, who said the decision was made as there were many black pepper cultivators in Kadamaian.
“This is among the earliest villages we helped to get started in cultivating black pepper a few years ago, when I was a board member of the Malaysian Pepper Board. I’m happy that the cultivation of black pepper is continued by the church community as well as the village community till today,” he said at the community clean-up programme at Kampung Lompios and SIB Kampung Takulung.
There are two mini processing factory buildings at Kadamaian, located at Kampung Lompios which is the Sundu Sabah Pepper factory belonging to Janus Tion, and the Pepper Products Mini Processing Factory belonging to the community.
Ewon, who was also former Minister of Rural Development, said he will continue his efforts to develop the black pepper industry in the constituency. He hoped the presence of the two mini factories will benefit black pepper cultivators in Kadamaian.
Meanwhile, Persatuan Penanam dan Pengusaha Lada Hitam (PLAS) Kota Belud chairman Janus Tion thanked Ewon for his support and in acquiring funds from Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju) and Sabah Foundation to build the mini factories.
“My factory (Sundu Sabah Pepper) has begun operations but there are two machines that have not been installed and are still in the process of shipment by the Malaysian Pepper Board.
“Meanwhile, the community factory has not begun operating as there are additional works on the outside of the building that have yet to be complete and they are also awaiting equipment and machines for the factory,” he said.
Janus added that when the mini factories are fully operational, they will purchase black pepper products from cultivators.