RM12.7 mln to boost Beting Maro gula apong industry

BETING MARO’s apong sugar industry is set for a boost with RM12.7 million allocated for integrated nipah plantation development, processing facilities and equipment to raise production and increase local incomes.

Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the initiatives included an RM11 million Integrated Nipah Plantation and Industry Development Project and Apong Sugar Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC) in Kampung Tambak, Pusa, under the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA).

“The centre is expected to be completed in September 2027, following the commencement of its 18-month contract on Mar 16, 2026,” he said.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Razali Gapor (GPS-Beting Maro) during question and answer session on the development of the apong sugar industry.

The project covers a 14.6-hectare nipah area, including 4.3 hectares developed as a plantation, and aims to integrate agricultural production with processing, packaging and marketing activities.

Dr Abdul Rahman said the integrated approach reflected the Agropark concept, which brings together different stages of the agricultural value chain to improve productivity, increase the value of local products and raise farmers’ incomes.

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), the Sago and Nipah Development Board (SNDB) is also implementing the Nipah Smallholders’ Productivity Enhancement Programme for Sustainable Sap Supply, with an allocation of RM1 million under the first phase (RP1) in 2026.

The programme includes improving access to nipah-growing areas, providing agricultural inputs and equipment, rehabilitating plantations and training smallholders, including those in Beting Maro.

Another RM700,000 has been allocated under BDDA for the Sago and Nipah Entrepreneur Development Project in the Beting Maro constituency, covering the provision of processing machinery and equipment in Pusa district.

Dr Abdul Rahman said the initiatives were aimed at ensuring a more sustainable supply of nipah sap, modernising processing facilities and strengthening entrepreneurship and marketing activities.

The development strategy is expected to help local producers move beyond raw material production towards higher-value apong sugar products, while creating opportunities to improve household incomes and strengthen the local agricultural economy.