KUCHING: The state’s first centre for the production and export of durian, the Collecting, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPCC) at Tarat in Serian Division is expected to be fully operational by January 29 next year.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, the facility was once used for pepper processing.
“The centre belongs to the Agriculture Department and we have spent RM5.6 million to renovate and refurbish it,” he said after visiting the centre yesterday.
The centre which will be undertaken by a local fruit exporting firm, ToP Fruit Sarawak Sdn Bhd, will be used to produce durian pulp and paste which will be exported directly to China.
“The facilities in the centre are those that satisfy the requirements of HACCP, GMP and MeSTI food safety certifications,” he said.
While welcoming farmers in the surrounding areas to sell their surplus harvests to the centre, he added that another CPCC is under construction.
“A similar centre is being developed at Simpang Layar in Betong,” said Uggah who, earlier on, was accompanied by his wife Datin Amar Doreen Mayang.
Sarawak wants to increase its exported durian past by another 100 tonnes next year. Last year, 100 tonnes were exported.
