Sarikei to have second agro park on 4,000ha site — Len Talif
SARIKEI: In its transformation towards becoming Sarawak’s food production hub, Sarikei will soon have its second agro park on a 4,000-hectare site across Batang Rajang.
This was revealed by Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Len Talif Salleh during a press conference on the upcoming Sarikei Pineapple and Fruits Festival, here yesterday.
“The second agro park project on 4,000 hectares land across Batang Rajang is a spillover from the implementation of Sungai Pasi/Tanjung Manis Road project, after the first one in Sungai Baji here.
“Appropriation of funds for the first phase of the project has been approved and this mainly involves construction of drainage system,” he said, adding that the project may take time to be completed due to matters involving acquisition of land.
The agro park project is part of the state government’s long-term development plan which augurs well for the future of Sarikei as a food hub, he added.
On the upcoming Sarikei Pineapple and Fruits Festival 2022 which runs from Nov 26 to Dec 4, Len Talif said the festival is anticipating a higher turnout of 100,000 visitors and sales revenues of RM2 million.
He believes the target is achievable following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
“It is a fair target based on the last edition of the festival in 2019, which had recorded a total of 80,000 visitors.
“The participating booths’ sales target was however set lower this year due to the current challenging economic times,” he said, while expressing hope that the event could benefit local entrepreneurs and boost domestic tourism.
The other main objective of the festival is to tap into promoting Sarikei as a food production hub or ‘food basket’ of Sarawak, he added.
Meanwhile, Sarikei Resident Felicia Tan who chaired the organising committee meeting said a total of 229 booths have been taken up for the nine-day event.
Among the main attractions of the festival, which is in its 17th edition this year, are cultural and entertainment shows, sports and recreational activities, competitions, exhibitions and educational programmes.