THE Lusong Laku area in Sungai Linau, Murum, is being proposed as a prime location for large-scale commercial cultivation of hybrid rice.
Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon pointed out the extensive land in the area, deeming it suitable for rice cultivation.
“I am very interested in the Sarawak government’s initiatives to enhance rice production productivity, especially the use of hybrid rice seeds that can yield three crops a year.
“Therefore, I hope the government can consider this proposal because, with the application of smart and precise farming methods, Murum can become a significant rice producer contributing to food security in Sarawak.”
He made these remarks during a debate supporting the Supply Bill (2024), 2023, and a Motion to Refer the Sarawak Development Expenditure Budget Resolution for 2024 at the 19th State Legislative Assembly sitting today (Nov 23).
Additionally, Kennedy suggested that the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development (M-FICORD) consider continuing the Agricultural Facilitation Fund (AFF) programme.
“The programme, introduced several years ago with an allocation of RM1mil, received very encouraging responses from farmers as it provided significant benefits to farmers and planters.”
Furthermore, he proposed that the government, through M-FICORD, allocate funds to upgrade plantation roads for small oil palm planters to enhance plant production, thereby increasing state revenue through sales tax (SST) collection.
“I also want clarification from M-FICORD regarding the status of the construction of new agricultural stations in the Murum area that have been approved, including Tubau, BRS Sg Asap, Metalun, and Tegulang.
“I also want to know the status of the Lusong Laku Agricultural Station, which seems to have been non-operational for a long time.”
Additionally, Kennedy requested the government to approve the application for 3,000 new families in 15 villages in BRS Sg Asap through the Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) or the Resettlement Scheme (SPS) to address the increasingly pressing population growth issue.
“The government is also urged to provide special funding or a Longhouse Housing Loan Scheme for the 15 villages involving a total of 2,765 doors in the Bakun Resettlement Scheme (BRS) Sg Asap, which is deteriorating and needs immediate repair.”
