Uggah assures rural areas will not be left behind in devt
LONG LAMA: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas reassured people in the rural areas of Baram that the state government is taking every possible measure to ensure that they will not be left behind by the state’s development.
He said among the measures was the establishment of the Highland Development Agency ( HDA), an agency under the Regional Corridor Development Authority ( Recoda), for the development of highland areas from Long Lama up to Upper Baram, as well as Limbang and Lawas.
“HDA was established to ensure development of rural areas. It helps in determining development programmes in these areas and makes certain it will be organised in an orderly manner.
“This is in line with the mission of the state government to ensure every community in Sarawak would receive and enjoy development. We do not want the rural areas to be left behind in the government’s development plans,” said the HDA chairman in his speech at the second anniversary celebration of the elevation of Telang Usan to a district at Dewan SJKC Kee Tee here on Sunday.
Uggah, who is also the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, said the people in Baram should realise the great potential of the areas in the agriculture sector, much like Kundasang in Sabah and Cameron Highlands in Pahang.
“These areas are exporters of high quality agriculture produce and products that meet the needs of both domestic and global markets, including vegetables, fruits and cattle farming.
“Although there is much to work on the highland areas of Baram, I am confident that Recoda with the collaboration of
This is in line with the mission of the state government to ensure every community in Sarawak would receive and enjoy development. We do not want the rural areas to be left behind in the government’s development plans. Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Chief Minister
community leaders in this area will enable us to achieve our target to develop these highland areas into prominent modern farming areas in the state,” said Uggah.
Uggah also encouraged people in the rural areas, especially the youths, to take advantage of the lucrative agriculture sector.
“Agriculture is a new source of wealth that Sarawakians can explore. There are lots of examples on agricultural activities which have shown that it is a lucrative field,” he said.
Uggah, who recently returned from Taiwan, also touched on how the country had introduced advanced technology and modern farming method to spur the growth of its agriculture sector for decades.
“In Taiwan, farmers are utilising the Internet of Things technology as well as precision agriculture to enhance productivity.
“It is hoped that we would be able to emulate such technology which can help us to ensure that our farmers will very soon become millionaires,” said Uggah.
He emphasised that HDA holds the responsibility of ensuring the areas will be further developed.
“These areas have big potential in agricultural sector with modern technology and digital economy.”
Uggah revealed that HDA will hold a meeting to consider programmes and activities which will be conducted by Recoda to develop Long Lama and its vicinity on Oct 4.
He also pointed out that the state government had always taken into account the issues faced by residents in the interior including the issue on Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.
“We can ensure that any problem arising from this issue will soon be resolved,” he said.
Uggah commended Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for ensuring that people in the rural areas would be able to experience development in many ways.
He also expressed his happiness at the participation of students from SMK Long Lama in the anniversary celebration.
“It is important for the younger generation to acknowledge various opportunities provided by the government for them and continue to assist in future development in Sarawak and Malaysia in general,” he added.
Also present were State Legislative Assembly deputy speaker and Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Baram Member of Parliament Anyi Ngau, Telang Usan assemblyman and festival advisor Dennis Ngau, Recoda chief executive officer Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini, Telang Usan district officer and festival organising chairman Baru Tai, Marudi District Council Walikota Edward Mendai, political secretary to the chief minister Charles Balan Seling and Doh Kayan ( Kayan Women’s Association) Telang Usan chairwoman Temenggong Elizabeth Deng.