By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 25: Baram has the potential to emerge as a hub for export-oriented agriculture, with its hilly terrain offering opportunities for modern farming development, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the more than RM3 billion investment in Baram’s infrastructure, including the Miri-Marudi-Mulu-Long Panai-Long Lama (MMMLL) road project, was not only aimed at improving connectivity but also at opening up the region’s economic potential, including tourism and agriculture.
“The road we are building will open up the Baram economy. One is through services, namely our culture and the unique attractions we have in this area.
“The second is modern agriculture — agriculture that can produce export commodities,” he said when officiating at the 126th Baram Regatta in Marudi today, in a speech broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook.
Abang Johari said Baram’s hilly terrain could become an advantage, with scientific expertise playing an important role in identifying suitable agricultural opportunities.
“Scientists can analyse the soil here and work together with our farmers and communities to produce agricultural commodities that can be exported,” he added.
He said this was among the reasons the Sarawak government was prepared to invest more than RM3 billion in infrastructure development, as the State believed the investment would bring long-term returns.
“That is why we are confident in investing more than RM3 billion because, God willing, there will be long-term returns from this investment,” he said. — DayakDaily
