By Jacob Achoi
KUCHING, Oct 16: A coffee collection and processing centre (CCPC) will be built in Bayur Rural Growth Centre next year, says Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
He said an allocation of RM8 million under Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) for Mambong constituency has been set aside for the project.
“For the CCPC, it is part and parcel of the projects under GKCDA for Mambong constituency and is scheduled to take off next year,” Dr Jerip told reporters today after officiating at the closing ceremony of a seminar for projects under GKCDA for N19 Mambong at Raia Hotel here.
The seminar was attended by community leaders and village chiefs from Mambong and Tarat.
According to Dr Jerip, who is also Mambong assemblyman, some 31 projects under GKCDA in the area have been approved under Phase I.
Dr Jerip also told reporters that a paddy collection centre is also in the pipeline and is to be built at Kpg Bengoh Rais.
He explained that the centre will buy hill paddy, especially from local farmers.
“By having such a centre, which will buy paddy, it will encourage more farmers to plant hill paddy where they can sell it,” Dr Jerip stressed.
He said the pilot project for paddy planting will be carried out in Batu Gong and extended to other areas like Beradau, Simboh, Mambong and Punau.
Earlier in his speech, Dr Jerip said the GKCDA in Mambong will focus on two core sectors—agriculture and tourism.
“For the tourism sector, where we have 45 caves and 48 waterfalls, we will enhance facilities for promotion under GKCDA,” he stressed.
Among those present at the ceremony were GKCDA chief executive officer Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Siburan District Officer Ranum Bari and Sarawak Administrative Officer from Padawan sub-district office Julius Scott Sapong. — DayakDaily
