KUCHING: The setting up of the Sarawak Rubber Industry Board is crucial and very timely as it manages and regulates affairs related to the rubber industry in the state, said Dennis Ngau (GPS-Telang Usan).
“With the increasing demands of the non-artificial supply worldwide with the growing interest among Sarawakians going into this commercial crop, it is incumbent upon the state government to have a dedicated body to focus on the crop and further explore and maximise this its economic potential.
“Not to mention, with the construction of road connectivity throughout the state, I am sure that more people and the new generation would want to venture into commercial farming including rubber planting by utilising their family and ancestral land at their longhouse.” he said, adding that there are many families across the state who had greatly benefited from crop.
He was debating in support of the Sarawak Rubber Industry Board Bill, 2022 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting yesterday (Feb 16).
Assuring that the Ordinance was well researched, comprehensive and far reaching, he said: “We must support the setting up of the board to ensure that Sarawak remains as the top genuine rubber producer.”
He pointed out that with the uniqueness of Sarawak natural rubber and comprehensive strategies in making Sarawak’s rubber brand into a premium product sought after worldwide, it would be another source of income for Sarawak.
In the same debate, under Part II of the Ordinance where the board could establish committees, Dennis requested that a committee be set up to look after and manage the Rubber Scheme Project implemented at various longhouses in Baram once the Board is established.
The project (implemented in 2009) which covers a total of 3,500 hectares in Baram region and benefits more than 1,790 families should provide economic returns to participating families earning not less than RM2,000.
“However, this has not been the case due to multiple reasons. Hence the setting up of the board to revisit the strategy and make the project work as expected.
“In addition to that, I would also like the board to recommend to the state government for the approval of (using) rural land for rubber planting.
“This will help the Land and Survey Department in the process of helping our citizens to have land for rubber planting especially in the Ulu areas
“The board will be meaningful if it could help our rural people with funds for their farming activities,” he said.
The Telang Usan assemblyman hoped the Cabinet would compel Putrajaya to allocate more funds to Sarawak for its development including the agriculture sector.
