Uggah (centre), flanked by Dr Abdul Rahman on his left and Paulus, and others at the site of the Limbang CPPC.
KUCHING: More collecting, processing and packaging centres (CPPCs) for durian and other agricultural crops will be built in Sarawak following the successful completion of the first CPPC in Tarat, Serian.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said the Sarawak government is mulling to build some of the CPPCs near ports and airports, considering that they are the entry and exit points to the state.
“We are now also constructing similar centres in Betong, Lawas and Long Lama amongst others.
“We are looking at more potential rural sites where there are plenty of durian and other fruit trees too.
“We want to help farmers find a ready market for whatever products they grow to earn income, through
the anchor companies selected,” he said in a statement issued yesterday.
According to the statement, Uggah was in Limbang on Saturday to visit the project site of Limbang CPPC. The RM5-million facility is expected to be operational by February next year.
Uggah, who is the Minister of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, stressed there was a need for all CPPCs to have internationally recognised food safety certification in order to penetrate overseas markets like China, Singapore, Hong Kong or Taiwan.
“Thus we rely on the anchor companies to comply with these certifications like the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and others in their processing system.
“Another advantage of these companies is they have ready markets overseas. So they must develop their supply chain,” he said.
On the Tarat CPPC which began operation last month, Uggah said it is doing very well in helping durian farmers in Serian Division.
“Tarat, the first such centre in the state, will be a role model.
“It (the CPPC) is buying about 10,000 tons of durian daily during peak season. Top Fruits Sarawak which is the anchor company operating the centre has over 30 years of experience in durian planting, processing and exporting.
“It is selling durian pulp and paste and other products to 11 countries,” he said.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail and Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Gumbang were among those who joined Uggah for the visit in Limbang.
On another matter, the statement also informed that Uggah who is the minister in charge of Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) also visited St Edmund’s Church, Limbang to see the progress on the construction of its multipurpose hall.
Dr Abdul Rahman and Paulus then accompanied him to present Unifor financial aid totalling RM815,000 to eight religious organisations and temple committees.
This included RM100,000 for St Edmund’s church hall fund, which was received by priest-in-charge Rev Fr Peter Huang.