By Wilfred Pilo
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Nov 12: Modern farming and the application of high technology will be fully utilised in the agriculture sector of Samarahan’s coastal areas to spur development and socioeconomic growth.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the rural population in the Samarahan division are still relying on agriculture as the main economic activities.
The introduction modern farming with advance technology, as well as the Internet of Things (IoT), will boost production that would also allow the state to become an important food producer in the region, he added.
“The development of the coastal areas in Sarawak relies on agriculture and Samarahan, as the centre for the coastal highway, which will continue to be expanded, will enjoy further economic boost.
“Samarahan has a very bright future as it can be a contributor to the economy of Sarawak. I urge the people here to be involved in modern agriculture using high technology and IoT, as well as to produce food for export.
“These are the new ways of farming effectively and agriculture is very important to us in Sarawak,” he said at the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) third anniversary dinner here yesterday.
Abang Johari added that the state government has allocation to build basic infrastructure to supply 24-hour electricity and treated water in the area, which is the basis to develop modern agriculture. All these will be implemented once the coastal road is fully developed.
Logistic would also not be an issue, where products can be sent to foreign market faster, especially considering that Samarahan is near the Kuching International Airport, he continued.
“Since we open up Sarawak Tourism and Trade Office in Singapore four months ago, the Island Republic wants high-quality food from Sarawak.
“By exporting food to Singapore (and other countries) our farming and business community here can further boost their income and the agriculture sector for the state.”
He said the Singaporean business community not only look for freshwater fish from Sarawak but they also want wild organic vegetables like ferns to market
Abang Johari said the state government is also looking at building a new MPKS headquarters, which will be included in the 12th Malaysia Plan.
He targeted the new MPKS building to be completed before 2025, as the council continues to grow to meet the increasing population in Samarahan and becoming part of Sarawak’s development to become a progressed state by 2030.
Abang Johari also presented certificates of appreciation to long-serving personnel at the event. — DayakDaily
