Aug 4, 2021

SALCRA – Bridging rural-urban development gap

Passing by Samarahan’s Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa, you will see a big building with a giant Iban shield painted in orange on the edges right at the entrance of the roundabout from Kuching city. This building is the headquarters of Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA).

But what exactly does SALCRA do, and how important is this Government body to Sarawak’s aspirations and visions? Read on!

About SALCRA

This Government body was established in May 1976, under the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority Ordinance 1976.

The purpose of SALCRA’s establishment is aligned with Sarawak Government’s effort to transform the rural areas in the State into a vibrant sector, as well as close the development gap between rural and urban areas, thus improving the locals’ livelihood.

An engine that creates a pipeline of local opportunities

Through the establishment of SALCRA, a pipeline of sustainable income opportunities will be trickled down to the various sectors in the land development industry. And subsequently, the rural population can upgrade their standard of living, with the added basic social amenities and facilities.

What does SALCRA do?

There are many land rehabilitation, agricultural and plantation sectors that SALCRA is involved in throughout Sarawak. But in general, these are the areas the agency is focussed on:

1. Optimal use of Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands

SALCRA manages the development of the underutilised or underdeveloped lands for long-term productivity.

2. Fertiliser production

Under its subsidiary Sarawak Fertilizer Sdn Bhd, SALCRA produces a range of compound fertilizers for a variety of crop needs.

3. Oil Palm Plantation & Milling

SALCRA’s Palm Oil Mills (POM) manages five palm oil mills with each in Bau Serian, Saratok and two in Lubok Antu. These MSPO-certified oil mills process high-quality oil palm products (crude palm oil and palm kernel) and fresh fruit bunches. Besides that, Sarawak has 19 oil palm estates (OPE) in the state, all certified under Malaysia Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO).

4. Integrated Fish Culture Project

Under EPP4 of National Key Economic Areas (NKEA), SALCRA leads this project to produce high quality fresh tilapia at the pristine 8400-hectare Batang Ai Dam, Lubok Antu.

SALCRA today and its newest pride

Today, beyond its sleek headquarters in Samarahan, SALCRA operates across Sarawak in Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Betong, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.

SALCRA’s recent pride is its Bajo Training Centre, in Kampung Bajo, Lundu nearby the town’s relaxing beachside. Formed with the aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of their staff through quality training and providing excellent hospitality, this training centre is not limited to SALCRA’s staff only. It is open for anybody who wishes to organise their training here.