Gardenia is coming to Sarawak! East Malaysians may no longer need to “stock up” on bread at KL airports!
You know how many Sarawakians returning from Kuala Lumpur often buy bags of Gardenia bread at the airport before flying home?
That familiar scene of passengers carrying multiple loaves of Gardenia bread back to Sarawak may soon become a thing of the past.
Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC Berhad), together with Yayasan Sarawak, has announced a strategic partnership to establish Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd, with an investment of RM30 million to build Gardenia’s first manufacturing plant in Sarawak.
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Gardenia Sarawak Factory — Project Highlights
Project Overview
• Investment: RM30 million
• Location: Kota Samarahan, Sarawak
• Land size: Approximately 7.56 acres
• Expected operation: 2027
• Strategic partners: KTC Berhad × Yayasan Sarawak (through Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd)
• Estimated job creation: Around 500 new employment opportunities
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What will change?
Fresher Gardenia products
Previously, most Gardenia products sold in Sarawak were transported from Peninsular Malaysia.
With a local manufacturing facility, bread can be produced closer to consumers, reducing transportation time and improving freshness.
More stable supply
The new factory is expected to strengthen Gardenia’s supply chain in Sarawak, ensuring better product availability and reducing reliance on long-distance deliveries.
Introducing “Gardenia Sarawak Edition”
The partnership also plans to introduce exclusive Gardenia products and special packaging inspired by Sarawak’s unique culture, heritage and local identity.
Supporting local industries
The factory aims to maximise the use of local raw materials where possible, creating more economic opportunities within Sarawak.
Modern food manufacturing facility
The new plant will use advanced production technology while maintaining Gardenia’s quality standards, including food safety requirements and halal certification preparation.
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Economic Impact
1. Create around 500 new job opportunities for Sarawakians.
2. Strengthen Sarawak’s food manufacturing sector.
3. Create opportunities for local suppliers and businesses.
4. Improve the state’s food supply chain.
5. Encourage more investment in Kota Samarahan.
6. Keep more economic value within Sarawak.
7. Support education and talent development initiatives through Yayasan Sarawak.
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Why is this a big deal?
Gardenia has long been one of Malaysia’s most popular bread brands. For many East Malaysians, buying Gardenia bread at Kuala Lumpur International Airport before flying home has become a familiar tradition.
With Sarawak’s first Gardenia factory, residents can look forward to fresher products, more reliable supply, and possibly even unique Sarawak-inspired flavours.
In the future, instead of Sarawakians bringing Gardenia back from Kuala Lumpur, visitors from Peninsular Malaysia might be bringing home the special “Gardenia Sarawak Edition” as a souvenir.
What Sarawak-inspired Gardenia flavour would you like to see? Pandan? Sarawak black pepper? Or kaya coconut?
