SARATOK: The priority is to upgrade and rearrange the sluice gates and drainage system in three villages is in tandem with the focus to develop the potential of the agricultural sector in order to improve the socio-economy.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri said the initiative is a high-impact project that will directly benefit the people.
According to him, many complaints were received regarding crops that did not grow because the drainage system was not working.
“It includes the broken sluice. For me, this is a serious matter because if it is not resolved now, the residents will continue to have problems in developing their respective lands.
“I am grateful to the agencies involved, especially the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) of Betong Division, the Betong Division Development Agency of Betong Division (BDDA), the Saratok/Kabong District Office and the Kalaka Saribas Betong Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) that have conducted site visits and involved together with representatives of the residents
“My hope is that the work of upgrading and rearranging the sluice gates and drainage system in Kampung Kupang, Perpat and Paloh will go smoothly,” he said today.
Earlier, he was represented by Saratok District Council (MDS) councillor Majid Amit who led a field trip session with the agencies.
Mohamad stressed that among the Sarawak government’s initiatives through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy Plan (PCDS) 2030 was to implement high-impact development projects of an immediate nature like this.
“As emphasised by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the focus is now on stimulating the state’s economic growth.
“There is no exception to the socio-economy of the rural residents. Alhamdulillah Kalaka state constituency was not overlooked from receiving the high-impact development project.
“Therefore, the project to upgrade and rearrange the sluice gates and drainage system in these three villages is one of them. This means there are many more planned to be implemented,” he said.
Mohamad added, he really wanted to see every government effort being undertaken could benefit the people, especially in the agriculture and agro-based industries.
“When it is ready later, I request the leaders at the village level, especially the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK), to be able to speed up the economic development programme.
“And the community itself should be involved as well.
“I believe Kampung Kupang, Perpat and Paloh have their own potentials that should be raised and developed so that we are not left behind,” he added.
Kabong District Officer Rashdan Hazemi, Saratok District Officer representative Laga Kueh, Kalaka Saribas Betong IADA director Lucyana Dominic Ritay, Penghulu Missis Aris, Councillor Aton Tar, Councillor Saee Ason and village heads were also present.
