By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 29: Sarawak Deputy Premier and Bukit Saban assemblyman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has floated the idea of training dogs to guard fruit and vegetable farms against wild monkeys, in a bid to curb the persistent destruction they cause in his constituency.
Speaking during a Gawai Ngiling Bidai luncheon at his longhouse, Rumah Mendit Unsu in Penom, Spaoh today, Uggah said wild monkeys were a major deterrent for many rural farmers, discouraging them from planting crops such as corn and fruit.
“We have tried various options before but to no avail. Let us think of how we can train dogs to guard our farms and chase these marauding monkeys away,” he said, according to a press release.
He noted that since most longhouse residents already keep dogs as pets, they could potentially be the solution to this longstanding problem.
“The monkey is the reason why many are reluctant to plant crops in their gardens.
“We need to have an effective solution as we have a plan for a 1,000-acre agropark here.”
Uggah also reminded dog owners to vaccinate their pets to help keep Betong Division rabies-free.
The event was attended by more than 600 people, including members of longhouse security and development committees, longhouse chiefs’ associations, and women’s bureaus.
Also present was Betong MP Datuk Dr Richard Rapu, who, along with Uggah, distributed their respective Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) and Minor Rural Project (MRP) grants and agricultural inputs.
Uggah handed over part of the 5,268 bags of fertiliser to some of the 439 pepper farmers from 51 longhouses, as part of a government aid package worth RM1.042 million.
He also distributed a portion of 3,960 bags of fertiliser valued at RM249,480 to 165 oil palm planters from 45 longhouses.
In his speech, Dr Richard assured the community that their leaders were aware of the everyday issues they faced, particularly intermittent water and electricity supply as well as poor internet connectivity.
“As soon as we learn of any occurrence, we contact the relevant service providers for immediate rectifications,” he said.
Commenting on internet disruptions, he noted that some cases were due to theft of wiring components at transmission towers and urged local communities to help safeguard the towers from such incidents. — DayakDaily
