KUCHING, Nov 11: Although the setting up of Collection, Processing, Packaging Centre (CPPC) at Sg. Gemuan in Bintangor was hailed as timely, its existing allocation of RM700,000 is insufficient, claims Meradong assemblyman Datuk Ding Kuong Hiing.
Speaking in his debate for Supply (2021) Bill 2020 at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today, Ding said the allocation will not cover the construction and completion of the proposed CPPC including all the required infrastructure works.
“The setting up of a CPPC in Meradong is timely as Meradong is renowned for having the most number of smallholder farmers. It is even more so after the launch of 120 acres pineapple farm at Rh Jonathan recently.
“With this CPPC, it will definitely help to improve the income of the local farmers by way of collecting and processing any farm products in excess which would otherwise be thrown away,” Ding said.
Meanwhile, he acknowledged the 2021 State Budget as comprehensive, as it aims to stimulate the state economic growth that was severely hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is yet another development biased budget with 62 percent allocated as development expenses. Out of the development expenses, 67 percent will be spent on rural development, which is also in line with the government’s desire to bridge the disparity between urban and rural development.
“As a matter of fact, the people of Meradong are starting to reap the benefits through various initiatives and projects provided by the GPS State government over the past few years.
“Among the completed Rural Transformation Projects (RTP) already completed or under implementation are 35 schools and institutions amounting to RM6.6 million, 13 religious bodies (RM3.5 million), 49 for longhouses or villages (RM5.6 million) and nine projects for roads and bridges (RM1.7 million),” Ding disclosed.
As for major projects that are under construction, he listed the proposed package CR1 (Central Region) for Sarawak Water Supply Grid Programme at RM81 million, straightening the KM4, Jalan Kelupu (RM19 million) and construction of Jalan Pasi to Tg Manis (RM 3.2 billion).
The Second Trunk Road from Jalan Kelupu-Jalan Tg. Genting-Simpang Jalan Tulai (RM 3.3 billion), upgrading of Bintangor Water Front (RM 20 mil) and construction of new Bintangor swimming pool (RM 7 mil) were listed as major projects to be implemented.
He added that about 2,400 households have benefited from the house repair programme under the minor rural project with a total allocation of RM3 million. – DayakDaily
