PUSA: The Sago and Nipah Development Board, which is expected to develop the commodity industry as a whole, should swing into operation immediately.
Beting Maro assemblyman Razaili Gapor said this was because approximately 150,000 hectares of mangrove areas with apong are waiting to be exploited in Sarawak.
“This is a natural area, not involving planted nipah fields as yet.
“That’s why at the state legislative assembly I always bring up apong development so that the government pays serious attention.
“Previously there was no specific agency in charge and last year it was approved, the Sago and Nipah Development Board. I hope it will be operational soon,” he said.
He said this when officiating at a Nipah Community Development Programme organised by Craun Research Sdn Bhd and the Pusa District Office at Dewan Sri Tambak, yesterday.
He explained that the board is expected to transform the apong enterprise into an industry in Sarawak.
“I am confident in the ability of Craun Research together with other strategic partners to share expertise in developing the apong community,” he said.
The initial objectives of the establishment of the Sago and Nipah Development Board are to lead to an increase in productivity, the use of new technology and encourage the orderly development of the upstream and downstream sectors of sago and apong.
The programme which was also attended by Kabong assemblyman Mohd Chee Kadir and Craun Research Sdn Bhd CEO Zaidell Hussaini was filled with various activities including briefings on the nipah industry.
