Kota samarahan: Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Bhd (KTC) plans to invest RM30 million in a Gardenia bread manufacturing plant in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, creating 500 jobs for local graduates and skilled workers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KTC, through its subsidiary Gardenia Bakeries (East Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Yayasan Sarawak, and the Sarawak government. The collaboration aims to establish a joint venture, Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, combining Gardenia's manufacturing expertise with Yayasan Sarawak's human capital and community development initiatives.
KTC stated that the parties aim to finalize a joint venture agreement and shareholders' agreement within the next three months, paving the way for the new company to commence operations. As part of this agreement, KTC has announced a RM30 million investment and has applied to the Sarawak State Government for a 7.56-acre plot of land to construct a Gardenia bread manufacturing plant. The project is expected to create 500 new job opportunities tailored specifically for local graduates and skilled labor in Sarawak.
KTC executive director Datuk Dexter Lau expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the company by the Sarawak leadership and people over the past decade. He highlighted that KTC began investing in Sarawak ten years ago with no employees and is now proud to employ 400 Sarawakians, representing 32.5 percent of KTC's total workforce. This, he noted, demonstrates the effectiveness of Sarawak's administration, education system, and welfare policies in developing highly competitive talent for the private sector.
KTC has invested RM300 million in Sarawak to date, generating annual revenue of RM400 million and managing operating and trading assets valued at RM140 million. The company mentioned that the partnership would also introduce an exclusive Gardenia "Sarawak Edition" product range and packaging, created as a special gift and a symbol of the highest appreciation for the unique identity and cultural heritage of the people of Sarawak.