DEBAK, Nov 13: Raising the socio-economic conditions of the rural folk in Sarawak, especially through suitable and modern agriculture, remains a top priority of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas emphasised that agriculture offers great opportunities to drive development and increase income, which would in turn raise the living standards of rural communities.
“Even though much has been done in bringing basic infrastructural facilities and amenities, this socio-economic agenda is a grand necessity and top priority.
“For this to happen, please continue to support GPS to allow it to govern the state again in the upcoming 12th Sarawak Election,” he said during the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) at Rh Remi Ambau, in Muton, Kara near here.
With a fresh mandate from the people, Uggah said this would allow all development, strategies and programmes that have been implemented and planned as well as future plannings to proceed uninterrupted.
“When this happens, the rakyat and Sarawak will benefit,” he added.
The Bukit Saban incumbent also encouraged rural folk to venture into the commercial farming of Musang King durian which has high export demand and value.
Apart from supporting smallholders and farmers with planting materials, he said that the government has also set aside RM60 million to provide fertilisers for oil palm and pepper plantations this year with each farmer entitled to 12 sacks for one type of crop.
Uggah emphasised that the government was aware that farmers had been hit hard by the many restrictions and constraints caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We in the GPS government do not make promises we cannot deliver. We will keep coming up with programmes aimed at improving the people’s well-being , progress, and prosperity,” he said.
On the forthcoming election, he noted that there will be those who will attempt to disunite the people by spreading rumours about the government and its leaders.
“They will also make all kinds of promises. Do not fall for them,” he advised.
Political secretary to the chief minister Dr Richard Rapu, Agriculture Department director Dr Alvin Chai, Beting Maro incumbent Razaili Gapor, and Betong Resident Richard Abunawas were among those present at the event. — DayakDaily
