KOTA BELUD: The construction of the Integrated Agriculture Development Area (IADA) Complex, which is set to become a landmark in the nation's rice and paddy industry development, is expected to be completed by 2027, Sabah Media reported.
Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the tender process for the complex's construction will hopefully be finalised this year.
"Site works have already been completed, and we hope the Sabah Public Works Department can open the tender for the IADA Kota Belud Development project this year.
"If the project successfully goes to tender this year, the IADA Kota Belud Complex is expected to be completed by 2027," he said during a work visit to the IADA Kota Belud office.
Arthur expressed a commitment to meet with Sabah's Minister of Public Works, Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, to discuss alternatives to expedite the tender process further.
He said the complex would contribute to a more holistic area development where developmental activities for farmers could be managed more efficiently.
"This complex will also serve as a training centre for farmers to enhance their knowledge in paddy industry development, agricultural machinery workshops, agricultural analysis labs, and more," he added.
The construction of the IADA Complex aligns with the government's efforts to empower IADA's role and aid in the development of Sabah, particularly the paddy cultivation sector in the Kota Belud district. The government allocated RM36 million in 2022 for the construction of the IADA Complex.
