Betong given RM2.5 mil to grow Musang King durians
KUCHING: Betong parliamentary constituency has been allocated RM2.5 million for the growing of Musang King durian due to its great export potential, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
Speaking at the annual dinner of Saribas Social and Recreational Club Kuching here last Saturday, he said the amount was approved by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“About 1,000 seedlings have been distributed among the participating families in the first batch of distribution under the programme,” he said.
Uggah, who is also Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, also called on social clubs representing rural communities to include incomegenerating economic activities in their list of programmes.
He said such clubs could explore and participate in modern agricultural activities like fertigation and hydroponics farming, which did not require much space or manpower.
These methods could produce better yields and quality than conventional farming, which means better income and higher standard of living for the participants.
He said those interested could seek advice and guidance from his ministry.
He also said the chief minister himself would go all out to promote these activities, which were among his government strategies in the rural transformation plan.
“As a matter of fact, he recently announced a venture capital of
About 1,000 seedlings have been distributed among the participating families in the first batch of distribution under the programme. Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, Deputy Chief Minister
RM200 million for the agriculture sector. He too has set aside another RM100 million for subsidies,” Uggah said.
On another matter, Uggah called on the people in Saribas to remain united and give their full support to GPS government under the leadership of Abang Johari.
He said Betong parliamentary constituency had received not less than RM458.6 million from the chief minister for infrastructure and upgrading works.
In addition, he said its four GPS elected representatives had been allocated an annual budget of RM5 million each to help the people.
“It goes without saying that Abang Johari certainly has more development programmes and projects for us in the coming years. So, it is only right that we continue to give him and his government our fullest support,” Uggah said.
On the Saribas Club, he was very happy to note that it had grown from strength to strength. It was started by former deputy chief minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu some 24 years ago to unite and maintain ties among people originating from various places in the area but are now working and living in the city.
“Its leaders have been active in promoting education excellence through tuition classes as well as beading and embroidery works among members.”
He later announced a government grant of RM40,000 to the club while Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat pledged RM20,000 and Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap pledged RM10,000.
Uggah also announced another grant of RM30,000 to its cooperative.
He also presented high achiever financial awards to 73 students, including two medical doctors and one doctorate degree holder from the area.
Jabu and his wife Tan Sri Empiang, Robert Lawson, Gerald Rentap, club chairman Andrew Bangkam Bejie, a political secretary to the chief minister Dr Richard Rapu, Betong Resident Friday Bilek and Bintulu Resident Jack Aman were among those present at the dinner.