By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 11: Sarawak Governor (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has called for more Rest and Relaxation (R&R) facilities and business hubs to be developed along the State’s expanding road network to help stimulate economic growth in rural areas.
Delivering his opening address at the first meeting of the fifth term of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today, Wan Junaidi said major infrastructure projects, including the Coastal Road Network, Sabah-Sarawak Link Road, roads connecting to Brunei, and other rural road networks throughout the State, are improving connectivity, shortening travel time, and opening up new economic opportunities.
“In this regard, business facilities including R&Rs and business sites along these routes should be provided,” he said.
Wan Junaidi added that entrepreneurship training and financial assistance should also be made available to encourage more people to venture into business.
He further stressed that rural entrepreneurship, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and the digital economy must continue to be strengthened to help raise incomes in rural communities.
At the same time, he urged the government to continue assisting in the marketing of village products and local produce through the establishment of collection, distribution, and processing centres, as well as strategic trading spaces to widen market access.
On tourism, Wan Junaidi said Sarawak’s abundance of natural resources, scenic landscapes, and cultural diversity offers strong potential for agro-tourism and eco-tourism development.
“National and international-level promotional programmes need to be implemented, while the establishment of homestays, operator training, and local tour guide training can create new sources of income and benefit the rural community as a whole,” he added.
The TYT also said the modernisation of the agricultural sector should be intensified through automation, smart farming technology, fertigation systems, agricultural drones, and farm automation to improve productivity and competitiveness.
In addition, he stressed the importance of preserving and documenting the cultures, languages, customs, and identities of Sarawak’s diverse ethnic communities as part of the State’s tourism appeal.
Wan Junaidi also urged continued attention towards addressing the cost of living in rural areas to reduce the gap between urban and rural communities, while expanding access to quality and affordable internet and communication services so rural residents are not left behind in education and the digital economy. — DayakDaily
