KUCHING: Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC) and Gardenia have committed to investing RM30 million in Sarawak through the establishment of Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, a venture expected to create 500 new jobs, particularly for local graduates and skilled workers.
KTC Executive Director Datuk Dexter Lau said the strategic collaboration formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd and Yayasan Sarawak marks the beginning of a new chapter for the food industry and socio-economic development in the state.
“Today is not merely the signing of a piece of paper. It marks the start of a new chapter in Sarawak’s food industry and socio-economic landscape.
“Through this MoU, and within the next three months, we will move into the Joint Venture Agreement and Shareholders’ Agreement phase for the establishment of Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, a partnership that combines Gardenia’s manufacturing expertise with Yayasan Sarawak’s vision for human capital and community development through its subsidiary, Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd,” he said during the MoU signing ceremony involving KTC, Gardenia, Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd and Yayasan Sarawak here today.
Lau said KTC began investing in Sarawak 10 years ago without a single local employee. Today, the company employs 400 Sarawakians, representing 32.5 per cent of its total workforce.
He said the achievement reflects the success of Sarawak’s education system, human capital development initiatives and welfare policies in producing competitive talent for the private sector.
“KTC’s cumulative investment of RM300 million in Sarawak has generated annual revenue of RM400 million, while the value of its operational and trading assets has reached RM140 million.
“This success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the people of Sarawak, the Sarawak Government, our business partners and employees,” he said.
Lau said Gardenia remains committed to providing high-quality, fresh and nutritious bakery products to Malaysians, and is now bringing its manufacturing facilities, technology, expertise and employment opportunities directly to Sarawak.
He said the company has applied for a 7.56-acre parcel of land for the operations of Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd and announced a RM30 million investment commitment for the project.
“Support from the Sarawak Government in facilitating the land application will enable the creation of 500 new job opportunities, particularly for Sarawakian graduates and skilled workers,” he said.
At the same time, Lau said KTC fully supports the long-term economic vision of Sarawak Premier Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Openg, including the establishment of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATOS) in Pontianak, Indonesia.
“KTC plans to leverage this platform to explore new investment opportunities in Sarawak and support the development initiatives undertaken by the state government,” he said.
He also expressed hope that continued support from the state government would accelerate the implementation of the investment, generating shared prosperity, strengthening food security and delivering optimum socio-economic benefits.
In conjunction with the initiative, KTC and Gardenia will introduce a special “Gardenia Sarawak Edition” product and packaging range as a tribute to Sarawak’s unique identity, culture and heritage.
“This is our special gift as a token of appreciation for the unique identity, culture and pride of the people of Sarawak,” he said.
Lau said KTC and Gardenia are optimistic about the future of the collaboration and believe that, with the support of the Sarawak Government, Yayasan Sarawak and the people of the state, Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd will emerge as another landmark success story for Sarawak.
Further information on KTC is available at KTC official website: https://kimteckcheong.com/
