Capitalise on unique offerings to boost income, Spaoh folks encouraged

BETONG: The people of the Spaoh and its neighbouring areas should capitalise on their exotic offerings as means to generate income.

In giving this advice, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah acknowledges the ‘buntal’ (local puffer fish), sago worms and wild vegetables as among a few exotic food items that this sub-district in the Betong Division is famous for.

“If you can prepare these exotic foods better than anything else in the other areas, you would attract people to Spaoh. This will change the image of this town, which is very quiet in the morning but would be full of people in the afternoon,” he said after witnessing the opening of the RM5-million Spaoh Community Market here yesterday.

Adding on, the Bukit Saban assemblyman said the state government, under Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), would remain committed to opening opportunities for rural residents to generate and increase their incomes, including setting up proper premises for them to market their products.

“Thus, the rural folks must grab these opportunities so that they can sell more and earn more.

“At the same time, they must listen to feedback from the ground, to guide them on ways that they can improve their services and products. They must be able to create and improve their offerings to attract more customers. We, your leaders, are here to provide the necessary training and assistance,” he said.

On a related matter, Uggah said RM20 million had been allocated to support the development of the agriculture sector in the area.

Moreover, he also announced the plan to build a RM5-million ‘medan selera’ (food court) next to Spaoh Community Market, of which the works should kick off in the third quarter of this year.

“There are plans to enhance the waterfront in front of the market, with a projected budget of RM2 million.”

In addition, Uggah also emphasised on the importance of maintaining cleanliness in their town, encompassing the major areas such as the market, the villages and the longhouses.

“Always keep these areas rubbish-free. Just as important is to safeguard governmentprovided facilities here, protecting them against vandalism and also theft,” he added.