KAPIT : Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development (KKLW), Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi has officiated a dinner to mark the closing of ‘Kasihi Pekebun RISDA Negeri Sarawak’ programme and Socio-Economic Seminar for Community Leaders jointly organised by Rubber Institute For Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) and Song District Office in Song district that was held at Song Community Hall on Tuesday evening.
Speaking at the function, Nanta applauded RISDA for initiating the planting of high yield rubber programme for the people in Kapit including Song.
“This programme has begun long ago in other areas. Kapit is lagging behind because of the land problem as the Native Customary Land Right (NCR) has no land title and there could be possible problem due to dispute on the land ownership and that was the reason RISDA was not able to carry out the programme here. However the NCR land has been included under the perimeter survey and this help to facilitate RISDA in carrying out the programme.
“However you must work hard to ensure the success of the programme” Nanta said, calling on the people to be receptive of new ideas and to change their mindset.
“Even though you have the land but if you leave it idle it will not generate income. RISDA with the assistance of the Agriculture Department has initiated the planting of the high yield rubber trees and the planting of the rubber trees could help to add value to your land. The rubber trees become your asset and help to increase the value of the land. Even if you do not tap it but of the government or any other party wish to acquire the land then you could get better land compensation” stressed Nanta.
Later at the function, Nanta presented certificate of new appointment and re-appointment for the community leaders in Song district and also presented grant to several Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) under Penghulu John Salang and Penghulu Sumping areas of jurisdiction in Katibas area.
Nanta told that even though the parliament has been dissolved on 7 April, he has the authority to give the grant in his capacity as the Deputy Minister who serves as the caretaker government prior to the general election.
Upon his arrival at the dinner Nanta was accorded a traditional welcome by the Iban warriors led by some 20 Kelab Gagung Sarawak members. Earlier on, Nanta presented certificates to RISDA’s rubber smallholders in Song district. Present together at the function were Song District Officer Jackline August, RISDA officers from its headquarters Kuching and Kapit branch, head of the various government departments and community leaders.
