KUCHING, Oct 2: The Sarawak Cabinet has agreed to the formation of the Betong Division Development Agency (BDDA) in its meeting on Thursday (Sept 29), says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
He said the agency, formerly known as the Betong Integrated Development Agency (BIDA), covers Layar, Bukit Saban, Krian, Kalaka, Saribas, Beting Maro, Kabong, and part of Lingga.
Uggah, also BDDA chairman, said they would be holding the agency’s second laboratory beginning Tuesday (Oct 4) in Kuching to list priorities based on feedback from the ground.
“With the division now enjoying almost comprehensive road networks, except for Krian, water and power supply distribution, the next challenge for BDDA is to develop income-generating economic activities and building more farm roads.
“With better income, the people can have a better standard of living. So, I hope our people will be ready to embrace new technology and modern ways of farming.
“Our second focus is to strengthen the culture of academic excellence among our students so that we can continue to have more graduates and professionals in various fields,” he said in a statement today.
Uggah was officiating at the closing of a leadership and management course for longhouse chiefs and secretaries of respective village security and development committees (JKKKs) from 33 longhouses in Rimbas Ulu, Debak, last night (Oct 1).
Meanwhile, Uggah also said that BDDA areas have huge potential for fruit and vegetable farming besides poultry and other livestock rearing.
“We have a company near Spaoh actively pursuing the development of hybrid papaya, corn, rice and other seeds.
“The ripe papaya fruit it is producing now, for instance, has a shelf life of almost a week which is ideal for export, while the rice is a fast-growing shorter variety.
“The supplies of these seeds will enhance our efforts to develop modern agriculture in BDDA areas,” he said. — DayakDaily
