KUCHING, Dec 8: The continuous transformation of the state agriculture sector is a priority.
Minister of the Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development (MANRED) Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said his office is committed to ensuring that the sector is dynamic, modern, progressive and modern production technologies will feature prominently.
“The successful transformation will mean that we will be able to produce in greater quantity and quality,” he said at MANRED’s appreciation dinner in Santubong yesterday.
“It will also mean we will be able to increase the income of our farmers and eradicate the remnants of rural poverty.”
Reiterating that the state aimed to be a net food exporter by 2030, Uggah wanted everyone in his ministry and the Agriculture Department to work hard to materialise this goal.
“We all have a very important mission for our beloved state, and we have allocated a budget of RM450 million under the 11th Malaysia Plan. There should not be any half-hearted or lackadaisical attitude,” he emphasized.
On the dinner gathering, he congratulated organising chairman cum MANRED Permanent Secretary Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik for providing a platform for all officers and their families to get to know each other on a more personal level.
“This can contribute to creating a more cordial, better harmony and more conducive working atmosphere for all,” he said.
The highlight of the evening included the presentation of excellent service awards to officers as well as a presentation of appreciation awards to those retiring or on transfer to other departments next year.
Uggah also announced a grant of RM40,000 for MANRED to hold social and family activities.
Present at the gathering were his wife, Datin Amar Doreen Mayang, Assistant Minister of Native Land Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Assistant Minister of Agriculture Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail, Agriculture Department’s acting director Dr Alvin Chai, state Veterinary Service Department director Dr Adrian Susin, and Dr Richard Rapu, a political secretary to the Chief Minister. — DayakDaily
