KUCHING: Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC) will invest RM30 million to establish Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yayasan Sarawak.
The collaboration aims to establish a joint venture that combines Gardenia’s expertise in bakery manufacturing with Yayasan Sarawak’s role in human capital and community development.
Under the MoU, both parties are expected to conclude a Joint Venture Agreement and Shareholders’ Agreement within the next three months before the new entity commences operations.
As part of the project, KTC has applied for a 7.56-acre parcel of land from the Sarawak government to develop a Gardenia bread manufacturing plant.
The project is expected to create about 500 employment opportunities, particularly for local graduates and skilled workers in Sarawak.
KTC Executive Director Datuk Dexter Lau said the investment reflected the group’s long-term confidence in Sarawak’s economic prospects and workforce.
“Ten years ago, KTC started its operations in Sarawak without any employees. Today, we employ about 400 Sarawakians, representing 32.5 per cent of our total workforce.
“This demonstrates the state’s ability to produce highly skilled and competitive talent through its effective administration, education system and human capital development,” he said.
According to Lau, KTC has invested approximately RM300 million in Sarawak to date, generating annual revenue of about RM400 million while managing operating and trading assets worth RM140 million.
He said the establishment of the Gardenia manufacturing facility is expected to strengthen the state’s food supply chain, stimulate economic activities and create greater employment opportunities.
The company also plans to introduce a special Gardenia “Sarawak Edition” product range featuring exclusive packaging inspired by Sarawak’s unique identity and cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, KTC expressed support for the Sarawak government’s long-term economic agenda, including the establishment of the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office (STATOS) in Pontianak, Indonesia.
The company said it intends to leverage the platform to explore cross-border trade and investment opportunities, positioning Sarawak as a strategic regional operations hub.
KTC expressed hope that the RM30 million investment would be implemented expeditiously with the continued support of the Sarawak government, contributing towards food security, sustainable economic growth and broader socio-economic development in the state.
