By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Dec 3: Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA)’s outgoing general manager Datu Vasco Sabat Singkang has thrown out a challenge to the authority’s new management to achieve RM2.5 billion in annual revenue by 2030.
He said, the target was achievable as Salcra has almost 100,000 hectares of land to be developed for oil palm and other crops, as well as the capacity to double its fertilizer input in the next ten years.
“Since we have a lot of land, my challenge to you all is that in 10 years’ time, you should be able to hit RM2.5 billion in gross revenue for the whole group. If you don’t do that you don’t do yourselves justice. That should be your challenge. So, my tall order for the new management is RM2.5 billion revenue in 10 years’ time,” Vasco said at his farewell luncheon held at Sacra headquarters at Kota Samarahan recently.
He reiterated that Salcra’s staff, especially the younger ones must think outside the box to get ensure that the organisation could yield better results.
“You have about between 80,000 to 100,000 hectares of land to be developed in the next 10 years. And on top of that, there should be two more palm oil mills to be built from the current five. And your fertilizer output can also be doubled. So, you should be able to see this in the next management. The next management comes from you young fellows,” he said.
Vasco also advised Salcra staff to adopt modern technology in the industry.
“Keep on learning, learning, learning. And acquire as much knowledge as possible. The bottom line is never stop learning. Life itself is learning process,” he reiterated.
Vasco also advised his staff to adopt a positive working attitude to enable them to gain better standing in the organisation as well as to make Salcra one of the best in the oil palm industry.
“Please be committed in your work, don’t just look at the time, from 9am to 5.30pm kind of job.
“So, I would advise you all to make Salcra as one of the best in the industry, not just in Sarawak but throughout the country,” he stressed.
Vasco, who has been Salcra’s general manager for the past 23 years, also advised the staff to venture out into the field.
“There are not enough jobs at headquarters. But there are plenty of jobs out there. So, I would like to challenge your officers to go out there and develop new areas,” he said.
He also clarified that Salcra’s establishment was not just about palm oil but anything to do with agriculture.
“Many people have the misconception that Salcra is only about making ‘ladang sawit’ (palm oil plantation) on NCR (native customary rights) land, which it is not. Read the ordinance, it is actually about anything on agriculture, on its own or through joint ventures.
“That’s why we move away from that norm. I hoped the younger staff will change the perception otherwise we will lose out,” he said. — DayakDaily
