By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 16: Tanjung Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan wants the sago and nipah industry to be extended to his constituency as he believes that the area has the potential to develop the industry.
He said Tanjung Datu, which is a coastal area, has vast natural nipa plants but there is no industry related to nipa at the moment.
“People in my constituency need development not only for the industrial and infrastructure part, but also in the agriculture industry,” he said when debating in favor on the Sago and Nipah Development Board Bill, 2022 in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
He foresees that the sago and nipah industry, if developed in Tanjung Datu, will be able to increase the income of the local community, provide job opportunities for the locals and at the same time improve their livelihoods.
He also encouraged the Board to focus on a more systematic approach to develop the nipah industry from upstream to downstream activities once it is established.
He said the proposed Board should allow community participation in maintaining nipa palm forest through management, planning, and utilisation.
“Many communities have inherited the maintenance and utilisation methods for nipa palm forests from generation to generation for a long period of time.
“Therefore, they adapt the principles of the sustainability management while benefiting from the resources provided by the forest,” he said.
On the other hand, the Board was urged to maintain the good price for production and distribution of nipa palm products while supporting markets for the community to continually generate income as well as develop nipa palm products to meet required standards with a longer shelf life to increase product value. – DayakDaily
