SPAOH: All village security and development committees (JKKKs) in the state should hold at least six meetings per year beginning this year.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this initiative was to ensure that they (JKKK) are functioning and effective in serving the people.
“Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has allocated a sum of RM100 million to strengthen the JKKK institution.
“This indicates that the state government appreciates and fully supports the important roles the JKKKs play,” he said before presenting development grants totalling RM240, 000 to 22 groups and surau committees here, yesterday.
Uggah added that beginning this year, secretaries of all JKKKs would be paid a monthly allowance of RM300.
Each of the 15 JKKK committee members would be paid an allowance of RM50 per meeting where refreshment costing RM100 would also be provided.
During such meetings, Uggah said, they should focus on matters aimed at improving the people’s welfare and wellbeing.
“For instance, there are many activities and programmes too in the agriculture sector now which are relevant in your environment. Explore and exploit such opportunities to generate income,” he urged.
Uggah who is also Minister of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development added that his ministry would set up a model hydroponic agriculture station here to introduce this modern system.
“We have the fertigation system stations at SMK Spaoh and soon at Simpang Layar in Betong.
“The Agriculture Department will hold courses soon for the people to acquaint them with the hydroponic system,” he said.
He noted that Spaoh has huge potential in food and livestock productions. To help those interested in breeding goats, sheep and cows, he said the Department of Agriculture would provide subsidy assistance.
“With Salcra now involved in cattle breeding in its oil palm estates plus the people participation in the industry, the government may consider constructing an abattoir here.
“The Bebuling airport will materialise in the next few years to transport food and food products to markets as Spaoh is part of the Betong/Sarikei Food Basket area and the Sadok agropolititan area as well,” he said.
“We all must work hard to produce enough food to export to justify the presence of this airport. And in doing so, we too will benefit as we can earn good income.”
