Cut the red tape in agro sector, governments urged

KUCHING: The Sarawak and federal governments should avoid unnecessary bureaucracy in the agriculture sector, but work together for the common good of farmers, fishermen and breeders in the state.

Minister of Agriculture and Agro- based Industry Datuk Salahuddin Ayub said this was necessary to develop the agriculture sector in the state and at the same time help farmers, fishermen and breeders in the state.

“I have met with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his deputy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and we need to become a good diplomat for the people after being given the mandate ( by the people),” he told a press conference here yesterday.

He had earlier attended a dialoque session with fishermen,

I have met with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and his deputy Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah and we need to become a good diplomat for the people after being given the mandate (by the people). Datuk Salahuddin Ayub, Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry

farmers and breeders here. Uggah, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development was also present at the session held at Malaysia Productivity Corporation ( MPC).

Salahuddin pointed out that any bureaucracy between state and federal governments needs to be discussed and resolved based on the federal and state constitutions.

“What is important is for us to help the farmers, fishermen and breeders in the state,” he stressed. He believed that Uggah with his vast experience, being a former federal minister during the previous government, can assist to address any problem arising from bureaucracy.

Uggah meanwhile said the state and federal governments are working towards coordinating on the various agriculture programmes in the state.

He pointed at both the state and federal governments have a common objective that is to help the farmers, fishermen and breeders. Salahuddin also said at the session that the National Youth Farmers Forum will be held this year with the objective to attract more youths to become farmers.