The Borneo Post

Govt assures Puspen of ongoing support

- By Jacob Achoi reporters@theborneop­ost.com

KUCHING: The Sarawak government will continue to support the Narcotic Addiction Rehabilita­tion Centre ( Puspen) here, in order to promote modern agricultur­e there.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the assistance is necessary because it would help the inmates to go into modern agricultur­e once they have completed the rehabilita­tion programme.

He said agricultur­e is a lucrative business, and the inmates – upon the completion of their rehabilita­tion – must be given the chance to contribute to their families and society.

“The Sarawak government is willing to help Puspen to promote modern agricultur­e at the centre. It is also willing to assist those who have completed the rehabilita­tion programme, especially those who are interested in farming.

“This is because we care and we want to help them (former

The Sarawak government is willing to help Puspen to promote modern agricultur­e at the centre. It is also willing to assist those who have completed the rehabilita­tion programme, especially those who are interested in farming.

drug addicts) to live meaningful lives,”said Uggah – also Minister of Modern Agricultur­e, Native Land and Regional Developmen­t – during a Christmas gathering at Puspen here yesterday.

The deputy chief minister later announced RM50,000 for the centre to carry out its activities, RM120,000 for the crop fertigatio­n programme, RM20,000 for hydroponic, and also 100 boxes for breeding ‘lebah kelulut’ (stingless bees).

On another note, Uggah said the

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Chief Minister

people must support Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, ‘who is a leader of all races and religions in Sarawak’.

Abang Johari, he added, is also fighting for the rights of all Sarawakian­s.

“Our support for the chief minister is important as Sarawak is embarking on a journey to become a developed and highincome society by 2030.”

Uggah added that the prevailing racial unity and religious harmony in Sarawak must be continued.

“Sarawak is special and unique because its people of different races and religions can celebrate the various festivals together. This must continue,” he said.

Meanwhile, Puspen board of visitors chairman Tan Sri Abang Khalid Abang Marzuki said the gathering was the first of its kind being held there, which would go a long way in helping to build a closer rapport between the inmates of different races and religions.

He regarded the Christians and the Muslims as ‘brothers and sisters’, and in Sarawak, their friendship is strong.

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 ??  ?? Uggah (seventh left), with Abang Khalid on his right, leads the Christmas cake-cutting ceremony at Puspen Kuching.
Uggah (seventh left), with Abang Khalid on his right, leads the Christmas cake-cutting ceremony at Puspen Kuching.

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