ULU BARAM: The state government will put more money into the Sarawak Foundation bursary to sponsor more Sarawakians for their Ph.D degrees.
Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said timber companies in the state had agreed to increase the premium of timber from 80 cent to RM50 per tonne.
“For the past 30 years the timber premium has not been reviewed. After my review, the timber companies agreed to increase the premium from 80 cent to RM50.
“The Sarawak Foundation will invest the increased premium in our human capital building,” he said when launching the 6th edition of the Samling Health Outreach Programme held at Samling Central Based Camp yesterday.
He pointed out that the state government was focusing on human capital investment so that Sarawak would become the best state in Malaysia by 2030.
“We have a lot of resources. Now, what we need is to increase our human capital resources so that they can give back to us in future,” he added.
Johari thanked the timber companies for agreeing to raise the timber premium.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the timber industry in building roads in remote areas.
Touching on the event, Johari praised the the Samling Group of Companies for providing free health screening tests and services to the people in Ulu Baram in their areas of operation.
Meanwhile, Executive Chairman of Samling Group of Companies, Dato Sri Yaw Chee Ming, revealed that thousands of people from 68 villages had benefited from the outreach programmes.
“This year is the sixth edition of the programme. Every year, more than 2000 villagers undergo the health screening tests and treatments.
“This is one of our companies’ commitment,” he said.
Among those present were Johari’s wife, Datin Amar Dato Jumaani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Speaker and Mulu State Assemblyman, Dato Gerawat Gala, Baram Member of Parliament, Anyie Ngau,Telang Usan Assemyman, Dennis Ngau, department heads and local dignitaries.
