SPAOH, Oct 4: The GPS state government has provided many types of assistance as well as self-improvement and income generating programmes for the people.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this was because the state government believed in helping the people to migrate to higher standards of living.
He said this when launching the Agriculture Department Community Outreach Programme (AgriCOP) at Rh Enteri Lengkoi in Samu, Paku near here today.
Uggah who is the Second Finance Minister added most of the assistance and programmes are geared towards helping people in rural areas of the state.
“These are essentially the modern agriculture-based activities which include subsidies, materials and technical input.
“There are the starting capital or grants, the subsidies and aid to cushion the effect of falling commodity prices or the ‘landas’ (year-end monsoon) season.
“Another recent programme worthy of mention is the introduction of the Kenyalang Gold Card (KGC) for senior citizens to enjoy special privileges and discounts at participating businesses.
“There is even the RM3,000 death compassionate assistance which can be claimed by the next-of-kin of the cardholders.
“I have been told some 1,191 out of the 1339 applications for the card in the Bukit Saban constituency have been approved.
“I am urging more senior citizens to apply for it as the card will have more goodies attached,” he said.
Elaborating further, Uggah added the Sarawak Welfare Department is offering childbirth incentives and post natal assistance to mothers as well.
“Then, we have also received help from the Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) to help finance the construction, repair or renovation of the different houses of worship.
“All these go to show that GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) is a most caring government for Sarawakians.
“It is also very committed in protecting the state’s rights and interests.
“Thus, it deserves to be given the mandate to lead the state again after the coming state election.
“Please support all GPS candidates. Forget (about) the opposition for they are only capable of making sweet promises,” he added.
Meanwhile, Uggah who is Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister revealed AgriCOP aimed to familiarise the public with modern farming programmes the Agriculture Department is offering.
“Please talk to our officers in programmes that appeal to you,” he added.
At the function, Uggah who is also the Bukit Saban assemblyman announced the approval of 17 fertigation farming units for the 38-door Rh Enteri Lengkoi which is almost 97 years old.
Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat in his speech noted AgriCOP is now very popular among the rural folks.
“It gives them the information needed to go into modern farming. It is very beneficial for the farming community,” he added. — DayakDaily
