RM5.4 million allocated for coconut industry rehabilitation assistance

Abdul Karim (centre) in a group photo with participants at the closing ceremony of AgriCOP in Asajaya. Photo: Ukas

ASAJAYA, Nov 19: The Sarawak government, through the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA), has allocated RM5.4 million for the coconut industry rehabilitation assistance under the Agriculture Facilitation Fund.

Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah pointed out that the assistance has been channelled to 299 participants in three focus areas of Kampung Rebak (RM1.3 million), Kampung Sampun Tebun (RM1.5 million), and Kampung Serpan Laut (RM2.6 million).

“For Asajaya, the Samarahan Division Agriculture Department focuses on three crops namely coconuts, pineapples, bananas, and fast-growing vegetables.

“I hope the participants can benefit from it as agriculture is one of the main sources of income for people in Asajaya,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Agriculture Community Outreach Programme held at the community hall in Kampung Sri Tajo yesterday.

Some 100 participants were involved in the programme organised by Asajaya District Agriculture Department and Samarahan Area Farmers.

Abdul Karim, who is Asajaya incumbent, added that this programme also provided opportunities and created a platform for farmers aided by the Agriculture Department to explore commercial farming.

“Farmers can train themselves in promoting and marketing their produce, agro-food products and their potentials,” he said.

Political secretary to the chief minister Buang Bolhassan and Asajaya District officer Rais Ahmat were among those present. — DayakDaily