The Japan Malaysia Association (JMA) constructed Michinoeki Sabal Market, a roadside station with a local produce sales facility and public restroom, and held an opening ceremony on 27 April 2024.

The JMA has been working on the “Water and Sanitation Improvement Project for Living Improvement in Indigenous Communities in Sarawak” from March 2021 till March 2024 under the Japanese NGO Collaborative Grant Aid Implementation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony was attended by approximately 300 people, including Malaysian government officials such as YB Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts Sarawak and YB Dato’ Sri Doris Sophia Anak Brodi. Participants from Japan also included Mr. Yoshito Yamashita from Consul of Japan in Kota Kinabalu.

Address by the JMA Chairman

In his address, Mr. Takakazu Ogawa, President of the JMA, stated the following:

• The JMA has been working on rainforest regeneration projects in Sarawak since 1995.
• With the great help from Madame Sakai, the JMA has thus far planted 900,000 trees in cooperation with the Sarawak state government.
• Forests and water are essential for human life.
• The JMA has constructed two small dams and one water pipe in Sarawak to provide a stable water supply.
• Michinoeki Sabal Market will be used as a sales facility for local produce.
• Japanese students will visit Sarawak annually for 10 years from this year to participate in rainforest regeneration projects.
• The JMA is also working to introduce Malaysian culture to Japan by translating Malaysian books.
• The JMA will continue its efforts to plant trees, provide water, and introduce Malaysian culture in Sarawak.

Future Prospects

The opening of Michinoeki Sabal Market is expected to contribute to the improvement of living standards in indigenous communities. The JMA will continue to work on rainforest regeneration and community development in Sarawak through its activities.