BATU DANAU – The Sarawak Government, through the Ministry of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development (M-FICORD), is spearheading efforts to transform Limbang and Lawas into a commercial buffalo production center. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan announced this initiative while representing Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Babulang Festival and Buffalo Race 2025 in Batu Danau on Saturday.
“This policy reflects our commitment to modernizing Sarawak’s agricultural sector, with a focus on making Limbang and Lawas a hub for buffalo production,” Awang Tengah said. He highlighted M-FICORD’s partnership with external companies to establish a buffalo milk processing plant for cheese production, specifically noting the ongoing construction of a RM25 million cheese processing factory at Meragang Buffalo Station in Lawas, expected to be completed by November 2025. The facility aims to produce high-quality mozzarella cheese, positioning Sarawak as a leader in Southeast Asia’s buffalo cheese industry.
To support this vision, the Sarawak Government has approved a RM6 million grant to the Sarawak Bisaya Charitable Trust for commercial buffalo farming initiatives, as confirmed by Premier Abang Johari. Awang Tengah emphasized the importance of community involvement, urging the Trust to develop strategic plans to boost local economic activities through buffalo farming. The initiative includes leveraging the high-yield Murra buffalo breed, capable of producing 15–25 liters of milk daily, to increase farmers’ income from RM4,000 to RM6,000 per month.
The Meragang Buffalo Station, a breeding and research hub since 1991, also holds potential for ecotourism, dubbed the “New Zealand of Sarawak,” with its scenic landscapes and waterfalls, further enhancing economic opportunities in Lawas. Present at the event were Deputy Minister of M-FICORD Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Batu Danau Assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang, former Lawas MP Dato Henry Sum Agong, and other dignitaries.
