By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Nov 21: The federal government has always been committed to developing the rural areas including Sarawak, and a huge allocation amounting to RM10.53 billion to the Ministry of Rural Development via the recent Budget 2022 is proof of this commitment, said the ministry’s deputy minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah.
Hasbi said the government is determined to narrow the development gap between the urban and the rural areas.
“This is in line with the Malaysian Family concept of inclusivity, common ground, and contentment which have been nurtured among Felcra’s participants nationwide,” Hasbi pointed out.
Hasbi was speaking at a Felcra thanksgiving programme held at Dewan Masyarakat Bekenu today.
Nearly 100 participants from the surrounding area attended the programme.
He added that despite the challenges posed by Covid-19, the federal government has been committed to spurring the country’s economy post-Covid-19.
“In Sarawak, Felcra Berhad is one of the agencies under the supervision of the Ministry of Rural Development that has successfully developed 47,737 hectares of oil palm crops, which impacted a total of 20,307 Consolidation and Rehabilitation Project (PO) participants,” he said.
Hasbi added that in Miri, Felcra Berhad has developed more than 930 hectares of land since 1996, accommodating more than 550 participants and their families and improving their socio-economic status.
“Felcra Berhad was able to distribute interim profits for this year (2021) amounting to RM 3.02 million to participants in five areas in Miri namely Bungai Mummong, Kampung Keluru, Kampung Pejuang Kelulit, Kampung Sepupuk, and Sungai Entulang,” he said.
During the programme, Hasmi also presented assistant to Felcra participants, including education assistance for their children.
Also present at the programme were Sibuti MP Lukanisman Awang Sauni and Bekenu incumbent Datuk Rosey Yunus. — DayakDaily
