BETONG: A pepper processing machine will be installed at the Farmers’ Organisation office here for the benefit of local farmers.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas revealed this when officiating at a Community Extension Outreach Programme organised by the Agriculture Department at Rumah Jambai Bunsu in Kerapa Spak, Betong on Sunday.
Uggah said the Ministry of Agriculture Modernisation, Native Land and Regional Development would supply the machine for the pepper farmers, as Betong is one of the largest producers of the commodity in the state.
“Many here are still maintaining their farms despite the low market price now, and this is good for the industry.
“Betong’s Farmers Organisation will buy your pepper at reasonable price even when the market price is low, and it will process and pack the pepper using modern technology for export to Singapore and European countries,” he said adding that this was one of the ways the state government was helping the pepper farmers.
Uggah also disclosed that his ministry would subsidise each farming family in the area with RM2,000 worth of fertiliser this year.
“This may not be sufficient but will help them to reduce their maintenance cost,” he said.
On rubber, Uggah said the Betong division had not less than 1,300 hectares under the crop and he believed the old trees which were no longer productive could become a new source of income.
“We can fell the trees for rubber wood to be used in our furniture industry, as there is a company interested for such supply.
“I will need to discuss with Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to get his consent on the idea,” he said.
The Bukit Saban assemblyman cautioned the people against being confused or instigated by what he termed as political langau (common blue/ green bottle fly) out to dwell on ‘pooh’ (lies and slander).
Uggah pointed out that apart from criticising the present leadership as being ineffective and only looking after the interests of their relatives, these ‘langau’ would offer many promises.
“After the election, if they failed to win, they will just fly away,” he stated.
Former Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Alfred Jabu, who was also present at the ceremony, described Uggah as his worthy successor.
“The fact that he is now a deputy chief minister and handling one of the most important ministry, speaks volumes of his credibility and leadership quality.
“He has done very well. The Betong Division is enjoying uninterrupted and very fast and inclusive pace of development, and I am very confident under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) state government much more will be done here, in particular in developing its huge agriculture potentials,” he said.
Jabu advised the people to give their fullest support to Uggah in defending his Bukit Saban seat in the coming state election.
Also present were Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu, the ministry’s permanent secretary Edwin Abit, a political secretary to the chief minister, Dr Richard Rapu Betong Division Resident Friday Belik.
