Dr Sim (fourth right) and Lau (third right) hold a packet of Gardenia bread after the signing ceremony. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (July 13): Sarawak is set to establish its first Gardenia bread manufacturing facility after Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad and Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.
The RM30 million investment at the Samarahan Industrial Park is expected to create up to 500 job opportunities as operations expand after the factory begins production in 2027.
“We are very grateful for this opportunity because with the factory being built here, Sarawakians will finally be able to enjoy fresh Gardenia bread without having to buy it all at KLIA before flying home,” said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim witnessed the signing ceremony between Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad executive director Datuk Dexter Lau and managing director Datuk Lau Kok Sing with Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd board members Datu Dr Hatta Solhi and Jolly Marilan at Sheraton Hotel Kuching here on Monday.
During a press conference held after the signing ceremony, Lau said the project marked a significant milestone as Gardenia bread will be produced for the first time in Sarawak instead of being supplied from the Peninsula.
“We will initially target production of around 6,000 loaves per day.
“However, only about half of that volume will be released for sale at the beginning because we need to ensure the production line is operating consistently and reliably.
“Once we are confident everything is running smoothly, we will gradually increase production to between 10,000 and 20,000 loaves daily,” he said.
Dr Sim (fifth left) reveals the Gardenia Sarawak packaging during the MoU signing ceremony. — Photo by Roystein Emmor
Lau said the factory will be equipped with the latest baking technology, and the company also aims to keep more economic value within the state by prioritising locally sourced raw materials wherever feasible.
Lau added that Gardenia products will be distributed through existing retail outlets across Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri and other parts of Sarawak instead of opening dedicated Gardenia stores.
“We do not intend to compete with Sarawakian retailers.
“Instead, we want to complement them by helping increase their sales, profitability and customer traffic in the bread category,” he said.
On pricing, Lau said Gardenia bread produced in Sarawak will be priced on par with Sabah, allowing consumers in the state to enjoy the products without paying the higher prices currently associated with imported supplies.
The Gardenia Sarawak Edition will feature packaging inspired by the colours of the Sarawak flag, with the company also planning to create Sarawak-exclusive products.