Wee (third left), Tan Kai (first left) and Borneo Highland Orchard representatives pose with locally grown white button mushrooms during the launch of the roadshow. – Photo by Chimon Upon

KUCHING (April 4): Sarawakians can now enjoy fresher and more affordable locally grown white button mushrooms following the launch of Borneo Highland Orchard Sdn Bhd’s latest produce at a roadshow held at VivaCity Megamall here.

The three-day roadshow, which began on April 3 and concludes tomorrow, is being held at the mall’s ground floor centre atrium from 10am to 10pm, offering promotional prices of RM8 per 200g pack or RM14 for two packs.

Developed by Borneo Highland Orchard, the mushroom project utilises a fully climate-controlled growing environment to ensure consistent quality, strict hygiene and stable year-round production.

Completed in August 2025, the facility comprises eight fruiting rooms with a total growing area of approximately 13,500 square feet, and is capable of producing more than 10 tonnes of mushrooms per month at full capacity.

The production process is fully integrated – from spawn to harvest – with the growing substrate produced in-house using wheat straw and locally sourced manure.

Strict hygiene and biosecurity measures are implemented to ensure the mushrooms are fresh, safe and free from preservatives and insecticides.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, in a text-of-speech delivered by Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, described the initiative as a significant milestone for Sarawak’s agriculture sector.

“This reflects the direction we want to move towards — a modern, innovative and sustainable agriculture that brings real benefits to our people,” he said during the launch.

Dr Sim noted that a large portion of mushrooms consumed in Sarawak are currently imported from West Malaysia and countries such as China and Australia, often resulting in higher costs and reduced freshness due to transportation time.

“With local production, Sarawakians can now enjoy fresher mushrooms at more affordable prices, benefitting both consumers and the local economy,” he said.

He also said the project strengthens Sarawak’s food security, reduces reliance on imports and opens up potential export opportunities to neighbouring markets such as Singapore and Brunei.

Meanwhile, Borneo Highland Orchard director Ng Yi Xin said the company, founded in 2018 by the late Dr Ng Siew Thiam, was established with a vision to unlock Sarawak’s agricultural potential and provide high-quality produce to the community.

“To date, we have planted over 11,000 avocado trees of premium varieties, some of which are already bearing fruit,” she said.

“Today’s launch of fresh button mushrooms marks another important milestone in our journey,” she added, noting that the roadshow not only introduces a new product but also reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security.

“At Borneo Highland Orchard, we believe agriculture is about more than growing produce — it is about building trust, supporting local communities and contributing to the future,” she said.

The locally grown mushrooms are expected to be available at selected supermarkets including Emart, Everrise and Borneo Fresh Pork, making them more accessible to consumers.

The company also plans to expand into other mushroom varieties such as king oyster, portobello, shiitake and lion’s mane, while continuing to develop locally grown avocados to further strengthen Sarawak’s food production.

Also present at the launch were Padawan Municipal Council chairman Tan Kai, Agriculture Department deputy director (Development) Gilbert Igi and Borneo Highland Orchard director Chew Ching Kwang.

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