BINTULU: The people in Samalaju constituency have been urged to venture into commercial farming and adopt modern agriculture.
Samalaju assemblyman Majang Renggi said modern or commercial farming would help increase their productivity and income.
He, however, advised them to always consult the relevant government departments and agencies before embarking on any commercial venture.
This was to ensure that their efforts and money would be well-spent and produce the desired outcome, he said at a pre-Christmas cum new year’s gathering held by the staff of Petronas Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP) at Rumah Seliong ak Ugat, Mile 35, Bintulu-Miri Road.
“We are blessed with land that could give us good returns if we cultivate it,” he said Majang.
He hoped for continued close collaboration and co-operation between the various agricultural bodies and the local people, especially longhouse folks.
To compliment the various efforts of the government, some 30 village chiefs and members of Samalaju village security and development committees (JKKK) made educational visits to the agricultural research centres at Rampangi, Lundu and Sematan.
Majang also reminded parents to always monitor the educational needs of their children and to see that they choose the right courses to match the demands of the job market in order to be gainfully employed.
“The government and the private sector provide various alternative pathways for them with technical and skills training,” he said.
“Samalaju Industrial Park, which is the State’s main industrial centre, has several heavy industries. So does Tanjung Kidurong, which is a centre for oil and gas industry. They both need technical and skilled workers.”
He also announced that a new primary and secondary school will be built at Bakun junction along the Pan Borneo Highway. The project will start next year.
After that he announced the granting of some assistance to improve a gravel farm road to help the longhouse folks carry out their agricultural activities.
Among those present at the function were the head of Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd (Operations Support Unit), Suffian Sabeli; Bintulu Bomba fire chief Unjar Lum; Penghulu Man Imbak, representatives from the various government departments and agencies, and community leaders.
