Uggah announces RM1 mln grant for PVATM Sarawak
The Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) Sarawak branch will receive a RM1-million grant from the Sarawak government to finance its various activities and commitment including those of its branches across the state.
KUCHING: The Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Association (PVATM) Sarawak branch will receive a RM1-million grant from the Sarawak government to finance its various activities and commitment including those of its branches across the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who announced this grant on Saturday night, said it is in appreciation of the contributions, dedication and sacrifices made by these former servicemen.
“It is due to them that we are now enjoying such great peace which has led to our prosperity and success.
“You all had to face live bullets in the defence of our state and nation.
“Sarawak, in particular, will continue to remember and appreciate such act of heroism and loyalty,” he said when addressing a dinner organised by PVATM Sarawak in conjunction with its 62nd annual general meeting.
Present were PVATM deputy president Sazali Ismail, PVATM Sarawak chairman Roland Demong Radin and chief of the state’s Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force Lt-Jen(R) Datuk Stephen Mundaw.
Uggah said PVATM Sarawak could always bring their problems and issues to the attention of the state government.
“You can communicate with Mundaw who can bring your problems like housing, the lack of regular income and other issues to us.
“He can be your bridge to the state government,” he added.
On improving their livelihood, Uggah, who is also the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, suggested they take up modern precision farming.
“Our state is in the midst of transforming our agriculture into a modern, progressive and income generating sector.
“Our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg wants Sarawak to be a fruit, vegetable and meat producing and exporting state by 2030.
“Many programmes, assistances and plans are being implemented in furtherance of this objective,” he said.
He suggested that the association organise trips for its members to the Rampangi Integrated Agriculture Station to learn about precision farming.
Uggah added the government too had planned to set up more agro-parks throughout the state to help those interested but who did not have the land.
“There are now tremendous opportunities in the sector with ever increasing demands.
“Countries like Singapore want more and more of our live pigs and fruits, fish and vegetable while China wants endless supplies of durian.”
Uggah said the association could talk to farmers organisation or the agriculture department to find out suitable courses and programmes for its members.
“We are ready to work with all of you.
“We prefer to give you the fishing hook and rod so that you stand on your own feet and can fish for yourself, instead of the government giving you fish all the time,” he said.
On the criticism passed by a certain businessman recently against the country’s armed forces personnel, Uggah said he disagreed with his remark.
“We would prefer to work closely with the association which can help us to further unite our people.
“We are moving in the fast lane in developing our beloved state and have no time for any racial extremism or religious bigotry,” he said.
In his speech earlier, Roland expressed his disappointment with the same remark by the businessman.
He said that it was due to their contributions and sacrifices that the country’s business sector had been able to enjoy great success and prosperity due to the prevailing peace and security.
He called on members of the association and its branches to continue to look out for the some 17,800 veterans in the effort to look after their welfare.