BELAGA – A new agricultural station in Sungai Asap, Belaga, has been officially handed over following the completion of a RM4.87 million development project aimed at strengthening agricultural services in the rural area.
The project was officiated by Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi anak Utom, who is also the Member of the State Legislative Assembly for N.69 Kemena. The ceremony marked the completion and formal handover of the Sungai Asap Agricultural Station.
According to details presented at the ceremony, construction of the facility was completed on 15 August 2026, with the project carrying a total cost of RM4.87 million.
The new station comprises four principal buildings designed to support the operations of the Department of Agriculture in the area. These include an office building, a store, one-storey semi-detached staff quarters and garbage houses.
The development also includes supporting infrastructure such as paved access roads, drainage systems, fencing, and electrical and mechanical services. Together, the facilities are intended to provide the infrastructure required for the department to carry out its work more effectively in Sungai Asap and surrounding rural communities.
The station is expected to accommodate six officers and provide a dedicated workplace for agricultural personnel operating in the area. The improved facilities are intended to support more efficient delivery of government agricultural programmes and services to local residents.
The establishment of a permanent agricultural station in Sungai Asap also provides a local base for the Department of Agriculture’s rural operations. Its role is expected to include facilitating access to agricultural-related services for communities in the surrounding area, while giving departmental officers better working facilities.
The project forms part of wider efforts to provide public infrastructure and government services in rural parts of Sarawak. For communities located away from major administrative centres, the availability of local government facilities can help bring public services closer to residents and support the implementation of development programmes.
The handover ceremony was attended by several state and divisional officials, including Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, Member of the N.66 Murum State Legislative Assembly, and Senator Michael Mujah Lihan.
Also present were Dominic Chunggat, Director of the Sarawak Department of Agriculture; Elvis Didit, Resident of Kapit Division; and Bidah Lujah, Belaga District Officer.
Representatives from the Sarawak Public Works Department were also in attendance, including Ir Ts Bro Prime Minister Jawa anak Gara, Engineer for the Kapit Division Public Works Department. Thomas Balan Bang, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, was among the other officials present.
The completion of the Sungai Asap Agricultural Station provides the Department of Agriculture with additional operational facilities in Belaga and is intended to improve the accessibility and efficiency of agricultural services for the local community.
