Continue with Sabah Rice Bowl project — Japlin
DATUK Japlin Akim (Umno-Usukan) has appealed to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry to continue with efforts to turn Kota Belud into the rice bowl of Sabah.
He said it was important for the efforts to be continued so that the state could increase its income and help raise the economy of the local population, especially the farmers.
“I hope the new government will continue to be committed in helping the farmers by providing aid and facilities to those involved in the implementation of the Sabah Rice Bowl project.
“Kota Belud district is the largest rice cultivation area in Sabah, with 10,000 hectares available for farming,” he said when debating the Sabah Budget 2019 at the state assembly sitting here yesterday.
Japlin also hoped that the allowance given to fishermen by the previous federal government would be continued.
“If the federal government stops the allowance, I hope the state government will continue to give it from its own coffers,” he said.
Meanwhile, Japlin expressed his concern over certain government policies that might have negative repercussions on the safety and security of the state.
He said the registration of illegal immigrants (PTI) and their children, reactivation of barter trade and usage of pump boats could affect the safety of the public and those living in the east coast of Sabah.
He said the lack of security would deter tourists and adversely affect the state’s economy.
“Our own people will not even feel safe in their own homeland,” he said.