KUCHING: Sarawak’s Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development Ministry aims to elevate the status of farming and fishing communities in the state.
In this regard Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom recalled during his schooling days how some felt embarrassed to be identified as the children of farmers.
“But in developed countries, being the child of a farmer is highly regarded, especially in places like Australia, New Zealand, and others.
“They are so proud to be the children of farmers. For us, it is the opposite.
“That is why we need to not only elevate the status of our farmers but also our fishermen.
“This is something important for us to achieve,” he said during the 100th anniversary celebration of the Department of Agriculture here on Monday (Nov 25).
He also expressed his gratitude to the former leaders particularly Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri George Chan Hong Nam, for exposing him to sectors such as fisheries.
“They took me to Ulu Baram, fishing and so on, and I truly felt a sense of responsibility.
“It is time for us to redeem the past in order to create a better future,” he added.
He also expressed his gratitude to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for allocating significant funds to the Ministry under Budget ‘25.
“Particularly the RM1 billion allocation for the development of irrigation and drainage systems for paddy cultivation, up to the tertiary level, enabling mechanisation and five planting seasons in two years.
“The Department of Drainage and Irrigation (DID) will need to work hard for this development.
“We must work hard because money means nothing if we do not deliver. Therefore, our hope is to achieve something extraordinary,” he added.
