By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, May 3: The Sarawak government is considering setting up a `Bidayuh Belt’, also to be called ‘Durian Belt’, to expedite agriculture activities in Bidayuh areas stretching from Lundu to Serian, revealed Assistant Minister for Native Land Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He said this initiative was vital to spearhead agriculture and tourism activities within the southern region.
The proposed belt will be a strategic agriculture growth hinterland within the greater Kuching development area, he told Dato Henry Jinep (GPS-Tasik Biru) at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here today.
“It cannot be denied that the establishment of a dedicated regional development agency will accelerate the pace of agriculture development within the area.
“As such, the government could consider the establishment of a development agency to spearhead agriculture tourism activities within the southern region,” said Sagah.
Henry had asked whether the state government had any plan to create a development agency to emphasise aggressively on agriculture and tourism sectors as `food basket’ in Bidayuh majority areas, similar to those in Betong and Sarikei. — DayakDaily
