By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 16: The Sarawak government has spent more than RM47,425,000 on the rubber scheme projects at about 18 settlements in Baram region covering a total of 8,648.68 acres benefitting more than 1,790 families.
The settlements are Long Laput, Uma Bawang, Long Banga, Long Peluan, Long Pilah, Long Bedian, Long Semiyang, Long Selaan, Long Win, Daleh Long Pelutan, Lio Mato, Long Tungan, Long Palong, Long Beruang, Long Puak Ulu Baram, Long Panai, Long Silat and Long Jeeh.
Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau when debating on the Sarawak Rubber Industry Board Bill, 2022 in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, said the rubber planting project started at Long Bedian Sungai Apoh in 2009.
“It was envisaged that the trees could be tapped from five years onwards and should provide economic returns to participating families of not less than RM2,000. But this has not been the case due to multiple reasons.
“Therefore, it is opportune with the setting up of this dedicated (Sarawak Rubber Industry Board) to revisit the strategy and make the project work as expected.
“Currently all these projects are monitored by Agriculture Department personnel,” he said.
Dennis further requested for a committee to look into and manage the Baram rubber scheme projects implemented at the settlements involved.
On a similar note, he suggested that the Board have power to recommend to the State government for approval of rural land for rubber planting to help the Sarawak Land and Survey Department in the process of helping local citizens to have land for rubber planting, especially in the rural areas. — DayakDaily
