BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – A significant agricultural initiative in the Lawas district is poised to act as a major catalyst for local economic growth and community involvement. The Rimbunan Kaseh (RK) Sundar Lawas Project, a cornerstone of the state’s Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), is designed to deliver development in a balanced and inclusive manner to rural Sarawak.
The project’s progression was formalised with a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) handover ceremony at the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Brunei Darussalam (STATOB). The agreement was signed between LCDA Agri Business Sdn. Bhd. and Sahamada Corporation Sdn. Bhd., marking a collaborative effort to advance the venture.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the Sarawak Deputy Premier, officiated at the event and articulated the government’s vision for rural communities. He stressed that the project ensures these communities become integral participants in the state’s mainstream development. He also holds the portfolio of Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment for Sarawak.
He emphasised that the initiative goes beyond mere economic enhancement. It is fundamentally about transforming livelihoods by introducing modern, technology-driven agricultural practices. This approach aims to create wider opportunities for residents to engage in sustainable and high-value agribusiness.
The Deputy Premier underscored the critical importance of private sector involvement for the project’s full potential to be realised. He clarified that the government’s role is to establish clear policies and facilitate implementation, while commercial enterprises are the primary engine for growth and expansion.
He confirmed that the essential groundwork for the RK Sundar Project has already been completed. Having been involved from its initial planning stages, he expressed his confidence that the venture would yield substantial positive impacts for the local population in Lawas.
The ceremony was witnessed by a high-level delegation from Brunei Darussalam, including the country’s Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism, Dato Seri Setia Dr Abdul Manaf Metussin. His presence highlights the cross-border economic cooperation aspects of the development.
Also in attendance were the Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Datuk Mohd Aini Atan, and several key local figures. These included the General Manager of the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), Datu Sr Zaidi Mahdi, and Batu Danau Assemblyman, Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang.
The RK Sundar Project represents a strategic model for rural advancement in the state. By leveraging private investment and focusing on modern agriculture, the Sarawak government aims to stimulate high-impact development outside urban centres. This initiative is expected to provide a tangible blueprint for future rural economic projects across the region.
