KAPIT: Deputy Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi presented government assistance and subsidy under the replanting of rubber trees programme ‘Bayaran Insentif Tunai Tanaman Getah Individu-TBGI’ for the year 2013 and 2014 for rubber smallholders in Song district organised by the Agriculture Department Kapit Office held at Song Community hall, recently.
The cash incentive for the year 2013 amounting to RM41,764.24 involved 65 individuals covering 68 hectares from three longhouses namely Rumah Sudin, Nanga Sipan Song (25 hectares), Rumah Austin Ekau, Sungai Sipan Song (19 hectares) and Rumah Jarop at Nanga Sepadi Song (24 hectares).
Each individual received RM613.18.
Meanwhile, for the year 2014, the cash incentives benefited 37 participants covering 37 hectares from two other longhouses namely Rumah Yonkap, Nanga Entawai Song (11 hectares) and Rumah Dominic Runggom at Nanga Entuat, Katibas Song (26 hectares). The participant received RM761.79 from the total cash incentive of RM28,186.23.
The total cash incentives given out for the 102 participants (2013 & 2014) amounted to RM69,950.47.
Nanta advised the recipients to spend the money wisely and to improve and maintain their rubber gardens.
He pointed out that the replanting of the high yield rubber trees and other commodities such as pepper and palm oil is one of the government’s strategies through the Agriculture Department in achieving the household income of the rural population to RM4,000 per month.
Among those present were Song District Officer, Jackline Bte August, Assistant Director of the Agriculture Department Kapit Office, Badin Unor, Nanta’s Special Aide, Ambrose Abong Bugek, heads departments and local community leaders led by Penghulu Baling and Penghulu Ajut.
