KUCHING: In his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas touched on several points, including addressing rural poverty and bridging rural-urban income gap, making Sarawak a net food exporter by year 2030 and application of digital technology. We publish here the full text of his winding-up speech.
Preamble
Datuk Amar Speaker,
Firstly, I would like to join other Honourable Members of this august House in congratulating and thanking Tuan Yang Terutama for his inspiring words and invaluable advice during his address at the opening of this Dewan Undangan Negeri Sitting. We note, for example, his reminder on the importance of unity, peace and harmony as the foundation for continued socio-economic development of the State. This advice should be placed in high regard by everyone, including the Honourable Members from both sides of this august House.
We are also greatly encouraged by the supportive comments from Tuan Yang Terutama on the new socio-economic initiatives that were recently introduced by the Sarawak Government. I am confident that those initiatives will have a big impact on the State economy. As the Minister responsible for development of agriculture and rural economy, I will ensure that my Ministry will play an effective role in the planning and implementation of related projects under those new initiatives. The projects include those that are under the purview of the newly established Regional Development Agencies, the Rural Transformation Projects, Projek Rakyat, and the Digital Economy Initiatives.
Transformation of the agriculture sector
My Ministry will continue to focus on two key development strategic goals for the foreseeable future.
Addressing rural poverty and bridging rural-urban income gap
The first goal is to significantly raise rural incomes in order to reduce the incidence of rural poverty and to bridge the present rural-urban income gap.
Poverty levels in Sarawak have declined from 2.4% in 2012 to 0.9% in 2014 and further down to 0.6% in 2016. This is a testament to the effectiveness of Government’s efforts to reduce the incidence of poverty over the years. The figures I have just mentioned are the average for the whole of Sarawak and it is possible that the incidence of poverty may be higher in certain localities than in others. Nevertheless, and despite our success in bringing down the poverty levels, the Government will continue in our efforts to eradicate poverty.
With regard to household income, and based on the Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey Report 2016, the average household income for Sarawak in 2016 was RM5,387.00. This is an increase of 4.4% compared to RM4,934.00 in 2014. Comparing the income levels in 2014 with 2016, the statistics showed that urban incomes rose by 3.7% to RM6,548.00 over that period, while rural incomes rose by 4.4% to RM3,695.00. However, while the data showed a faster growth rate for rural incomes, the average income for rural households in 2016 was only 44% of their urban counterparts. This gap is still quite significant and we will therefore continue to intensify our efforts to close that gap.
Sarawak to be a net food exporter by year 2030
The second important mission of my Ministry is to make Sarawak a net exporter of food and food products by year 2030, and in the process, to strengthen our food security position.
In 2017, Sarawak’s food import was valued at RM4.6 billion, while our food exports stood at only RM1.0 billion. This gives a food trade deficit of RM3.6 billion. The biggest import items are beverages and spices worth RM1.05 billion, followed by meat and dairy products at RM606 million, fruits and vegetables at RM548 million, rice and cereals at RM540 million, and processed animal feed valued at RM430 million.
With the exception of temperate cereals such as wheat, oats and barley, most of those food items can be produced locally. With our huge land and water resource as well as favourable climate, we can quite easily produce most of those food items ourselves. Our goal of becoming a net food exporter by year 2030 is quite achievable provided we adopt the right technology and production systems and extend the necessary support to our agriculture industry.
Broad strategies to achieve strategic goals
In order to achieve the two strategic goals, I have just mentioned, my Ministry will adopt various broad strategies including:
- Leveraging on our strengths and comparative advantages, including our vast land and water resources and clean environment;
- Encouraging private sector investment in agriculture sector;
- Facilitating Public-Private Sector Partnerships (PPP) in agriculture businesses;
- Ensuring the complete integrity of the supply and value chain, with special emphasis on marketing;
- Leveraging on new technology for higher competitiveness, including digital technology; and
- Promoting community-based cooperative action in agriculture businesses.
Addressing key constraints in agriculture industry
Our farmers, agriculture entrepreneurs and potential investors face numerous constraints and challenges in their efforts to develop agriculture businesses. The main issues relate to financing, marketing, infrastructure and logistics, access to productive resources such as suitable land and water bodies, and exposure and access to the latest technologies.
To facilitate and promote investments in commercial agriculture, my Ministry has identified and introduced various initiatives that are intended to address those critical issues. I shall now highlight to this august House some of those initiatives that we have introduced over the years.
Financing through Agriculture Venture Capital (AVC)
Capital is an essential prerequisite in setting up any business. In recent times there has been a huge interest to venture into commercial agriculture and agro-based businesses from among entrepreneur farmers, youth and companies. However, many are having difficulty securing the necessary investment capital from the traditional financial institutions such as banks and finance companies.
For smallholder farmers and agropreneurs, they may be able to receive financial assistance through subsidies and grants from various Government agencies such as Agriculture Department. Even then, such assistance represents only a portion of their capital requirements, with the balance coming from the farmer’s own pocket or from other non-formal sources.
For companies whose agro-business plans require much more substantial capital outlay, grants and subsidies are out of the question. They have to resort to loans from financial institutions which are often difficult to obtain. To address this problem, the Government has established a special fund known as Agriculture Venture Capital (AVC) to provide investment funding in cases where capital are not available from the conventional financial institutions.
To date, my Ministry had received a total of eleven (11) applications for financing valued at RM52 million. The applications involve various agro-based activities such as planting of pineapple, poultry contract farming, modern vegetable farm, rearing and processing of fish, and purchase of vessels and equipment for deep sea fishing. The applications are under various stages of evaluation and the outcome is expected to be conveyed to the applicants soon.
Marketing and logistics
Marketing is one of the more serious problems faced by our farmers and agropreneurs. The lack of an effective marketing system for agriculture produce and products has hampered the Government efforts to increase the income of farmers and the rural populace at large. It is quite common, for example, for farmers to suffer from very low prices for seasonal fruits when there is a glut. In the more remote areas, farmers may not even bother to collect their durians due to poor collecting and distributing services. That is a huge opportunity lost to the farmers.
To address this marketing problem, my Ministry has adopted Anchor Company model. The business model will link other farmers and agropreneurs to processing facilities and the market.
At the heart of this Anchor Company Model is the establishment of Collection, Processing and Packaging Centre (CPPC) which are supported by and linked to satellite Collection Centres (CC). The CPPC is equipped with modern processing facilities and is required to obtain the necessary certifications including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Halal Certification.
To date, my Ministry has identified eight strategic locations in the State to establish the CPPCs. The first one to be established is at Tarat, Serian and is dedicated to the processing of durian. Construction and upgrading works are expected to be completed by September this year. The other seven CPPCs are in various stages of planning and implementation.
Following this Anchor Company Model, the Agriculture Department has signed several Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with private companies to organise the marketing of durian, banana and pineapple for smallholders. I am pleased to inform this august House that although still in its early stage, our collaboration with the private sector has shown some significant success. For example, two of the companies have been able to buy local durian from Serian, Bau, Padawan and Betong.
Besides the CPPCs, my Ministry will also be setting up several Collection Centres (CC) at strategic locations within the existing fruit production areas, especially those that have large concentrations of fruit farms.
On this subject, I would like to compliment Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Goram, Beting Maro, Tasik Biru, Murum, Meluan and Engkilili for their interest in asking for CPPC to be set up in their respective constituency. My Ministry will carry out the necessary feasibility study to determine the viability of the proposals.
Agriculture infrastructure
Commercial agriculture can only proceed if the farm land is suitable for farming and the farmer has control over the physical conditions on the farm. Additionally, the farm needs to have good road access to trading centres and marketing facilities.
Drainage and irrigation infrastructure
Sarawak does have vast areas of land that can be developed for commercial agriculture. Unfortunately, much of those lands in their natural state are not suitable for commercial farming. I refer in particular to the large areas of potential agriculture land within the coastal belt that are presently constrained by problematic conditions such as peaty and acidic soils, extreme wetness because of high water table, tidal intrusions resulting in high salinity, and severe threats of flooding.
In addition to those land that are yet to be developed for agriculture, there are also existing farming areas where the drainage and irrigation infrastructure are still inadequate and needs to be upgraded. Those areas include about 73,000 hectares of land under the numerous drainage and irrigation schemes that have been developed by the Drainage and Irrigation Department.
To address those issues, the Sarawak Government has set aside an allocation of RM500 million within the next five years to develop and upgrade drainage and irrigation infrastructure in areas managed by the Integrated Regional Samarahan Development Agency (IRSDA). For other areas in Sarawak, my Ministry will request for additional allocation to carry out similar works.
Access and farm roads
The construction of access road linking farms and farm clusters to existing road networks is already an existing activity of Agriculture Department. In 2018, the Department was able to construct, upgrade and maintain 73 km of farm road at a cost of RM8.3 million. The programme was able to benefit 2,282 farmers.
With regard to the concern and request from Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat for Beting Maro, Lingga, Kabong, Layar, Serembu, Sadong Jaya, Saribas, Simunjan and Meluan on the need to upgrade and construct agriculture infrastructure in their respective constituencies, my Ministry will carry out the site inspection to determine the cost and scope of work.
Establishment of Drainage and Irrigation Division within MANRED
To accelerate and ensure an effective and efficient construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of agriculture infrastructure in Sarawak, my Ministry is proposing to set up its own Agriculture Drainage and Irrigation Division. This proposal is a follow-up to the recent consent by Yang Amat Berhormat Chief Minister while in Kapit, to study the possibility of setting up the division within my Ministry. When it is operational, the Division will be responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of drainage and irrigation infrastructure, access and farm roads, as well as farm buildings.
Access to physical resources
Another one of the prerequisites for investment in farming is access to physical resources, specifically access to suitable land and water bodies that allow commercial-scale operations. This issue is especially critical for new entrants to the industry such as landless entrepreneurs and private companies.
To address this issue, my Ministry has introduced several initiatives and programs that are intended to provide land and aquaculture areas to such resource-deficient agropreneurs and companies.
The development concept involves my Ministry securing State land or water bodies, developing agriculture infrastructure and facilities in the area, sub-dividing the area into economic-sized lots, and leasing the lots to eligible individuals and companies for the purpose of carrying out their farming business. In most cases, the concept will also require the private sector player to perform the roles of Anchor Company. As Anchor Company, the private sector player will be allotted sufficient area for their back-up farm, but it will also be required to provide marketing and other services to other entrepreneur farmers under the Anchor-Out Grower system. The use of modern technology will be the backbone in farming and business operations under this concept.
A number of programmes and projects under this initiative are now under implementation. While the programmes and projects generally follow the same development concept, there are some minor variations between them. Those programmes and projects include (i) AgroPark, (ii) Permanent Food Production Zone (PFPZ), (iii) Aquaculture Industry Zone (AIZ) and (iv) Pig Farming Area (PFA).
AgroPark
On AgroPark, the Sarawak Government has approved the establishment of Agropark in three areas, two in Sarikei Division and one in Samarahan Division. The development of infrastructure at Sg Baji Agropark in Sarikei Division has begun and it is expected to be completed and operational by 2020. The other two Agroparks are in their final stage of planning.
In response to the request from Ahli Yang Berhormat for Samalaju for Agropark to be established in his constituency, my Ministry is planning to set up more AgroParks throughout Sarawak including in Samalaju.
Permanent Food Production Zone (PFPZ)
On Permanent Food Production Zone (PFPZ), the Department of Agriculture Sarawak has established five TKPMs, located at Kabuloh, Rampangi, Semengok, Pejiru and Penipah covering a total area of 366 hectares and involving 104 agropreneurs. The largest and most successful is PFPZ Kabuloh which has an area of 248 hectares, and the participants earning an average monthly income of about RM7,000.00 The highest monthly income achieved by one of the participants is RM58,000.00.
In addition to the five established PFPZs, an additional four PFPZs will be established including one at Julau which is under Meluan constituency, Kubong in Limbang, Debak in Betong and Sungai Maaw in Sibu. These four PFPZs are in various stages of implementation.
For the information of Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat for Layar and Murum pertaining to the establishment of PFPZ in their respective constituency, my Ministry will carry out field investigations to identify suitable sites for the purpose.
Aquaculture Industry Zone (AIZ)
On Aquaculture Industry Zone (AIZ), four project areas have been gazetted for aquaculture purposes. They are at Batang Ai Dam in Sri Aman, Sundar Awat-Awat in Lawas, Rambungan in Kuching and Selalang in Sarikei.
For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Beting Maro, my Ministry will examine the feasibility of setting up an AIZ in Beting Maro constituency.
Pig Farming Area (PFA)
On Pig Farming Area (PFA), my Ministry has developed one at Pasir Puteh, Simunjan and it has been operational for many years now. Another two new PFAs are planned at Selangau, Sibu Division and at Samarakan, Bintulu Division.
Application of digital technology
The transformation of the agriculture industry requires the adoption of digital technology in its production systems and business processes. In this regard, my Ministry has started promoting and adopting the appropriate digital technologies for agriculture sector, starting with agencies under the purview of my Ministry.
Digital technology for PFPZ Rampangi
In line with our State Digital Economy Initiatives, my Ministry has introduced digital technology at the Permanent Food Production Zone (PFPZ) in Rampangi, Santubong. Last year, the Agriculture Department was able to secure RM9.0 million from the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) to upgrade the system at the PFPZ including Internet of Things (IoT). As of last month, installation of security cameras and construction of Information Centre cum Control Room had been completed. Other works are still at various stages of completion. With the newly installed digital technology and precision farming systems at the PFPZ, the farmers would benefit from lowered operating costs through more targeted agriculture inputs, efficient production processes, improved crop growth, higher yields and higher quality produce.
Digital technology in SALCRA operations
The Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) is another agency under my Ministry that has adopted digital technology in its farm operations. At the present time, SALCRA has introduced two digital technology initiatives in the management of their oil palm plantations.
The first is the establishment of a Geospatial Unit in May of last year. The Unit has two (2) drone teams to undertake estate planning and design, inventories and monitoring works. The next phase is to develop geospatial database for plantation management. The technology will be used to generate images that can be used to prepare land use maps with aquaculture, plantation, river, road and land management.
The second initiative by SALCRA is the use of Internet of Things (IoT) for field monitoring. This takes the form of a pilot project on In-field Execution System (ifES) at their Stenggang Oil Palm Estate, Bau.
Highlights of selected champion industries
I have just elaborated on the major challenges and constraints that agriculture industry players face and the initiatives that my Ministry has introduced to address them. Allow me now to highlight some success stories on selected agriculture industries. The success stories cover programs, projects and business enterprises that are initiated by Government agencies and private sector individually, or are the result of Government-Private Sector collaboration.
My intention here is to show that Sarawak’s agriculture industry has in reality, progressed and grown quite significantly in the recent past. The successes of private sector and Government in selected agriculture industries will become a foundation for us to build a more progressive, modern and competitive agriculture industry of the future. I believe that if we can continue to progress in this manner, we will be able to achieve our twin goals of raising rural incomes and becoming a net food exporter.
I shall now touch on the success stories of selected champion agriculture industries.
Crop industry
In line with the State’s goal to become the net exporter of food products by 2030, my Ministry is focussing on four types of fruits namely durian, pineapple, banana and coconut.
I now wish to share with the honourable August house on the highlight of the achievements of the four fruit crop industries.
Durian
Sarawak has successfully exported about 100 metric tonne of durian products in the forms of paste and pulp through two Anchor Companies operating from Serian and Betong during the last durian season. This has exceeded the marketing target that was set at 60 metric tonnes. Most of the durian fruits were collected from Betong, Serian, Bau and Padawan areas. For this year, the two Anchor Companies have indicated that they will be able to export more than 200 metric tonne of durian paste.
To assist the two Anchor Companies to achieve their target, my Ministry will intensify our effort to organise the supply and delivery of fresh fruits to the companies. In this regard, my Ministry will expedite the construction of new Collection Centres at strategic location and to engage the Area Farmer’s Organisation (AFO) to act as the collector of durian fruits from smallholders for delivery to the Anchor Company.
In 2019, RM8.0 million has been allocated for durian rehabilitation programme in order to increase quality and output of fruits.
Pineapple
Pineapple commands good demand in the world market whether in the form of fresh fruits or processed and value-added products especially from China and the Middle East.
To develop our pineapple industry, my Ministry will promote the Anchor-Out Grower business model which involves participation of private sector as the Anchor Company and smallholders as the primary producer. In this connection the Department of Agriculture Sarawak has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private company in Miri to develop pineapple industry in Uma Akeh, Long Lama. The project involves 40 smallholders as the out growers. The role of the Anchor Company is to provide technical knowhow and to purchase output from the out growers. This collaborative project will supply fresh pineapple to Brunei Darussalam market which the company estimates can absorb 40 metric tonnes per month.
In addition to the Anchor-Out Grower Model, our local agropreneurs can also derive good income from pineapple planting. One example is an agropreneur from Sg. Kebalui, Miri who manages an eight-hectare pineapple farm and has been able to earn an average RM13,000 per month.
Another example is an agropreneur from Padang Pan, Bau, who operates 20 hectares of MD2 pineapple farm and is earning about RM36,000 a month.
Pineapple planting offers good potential for growth and my Ministry encourage more agropreneur to go into pineapple production. Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has indicated they are able to take in about 400 metric tonnes this year for both domestic and export market.
My Ministry through the Department of Agriculture Sarawak has allocated RM2.5 million this year for pineapple planting.
Banana
There is a high demand for banana chips products in Peninsular Malaysia and export markets especially in China. Currently, there is a company operating in Samarahan Division which is involved in the production and marketing of banana chips. In 2018, the company was able to produce and market about 100 metric tonnes of banana chips.
Under the Anchor-Out Grower Business Model, my Ministry through Department of Agriculture Sarawak has assisted 34 farmers in the planting of banana to supply fresh banana to the company.
Under the private sector initiative, a company in Sarikei Division is managing a Cavendish Banana plantation which was able to produce 2,800 metric tonnes in 2018 for supply to domestic and Brunei Darussalam market.
A third company based in Samarahan Division has also started exporting Pisang Kepok to Peninsular Malaysia since 2017. Last year the company exported 81 metric tonnes.
Similarly, in 2018, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) was able to export 30 metric tonnes Pisang Kepok to Peninsular Malaysia.
Coconut
Another commodity crop with high potential is coconut. The coconut industry has created some successful agropreneurs. For instance, one company based in Samarahan Division has exported about 410,000 coconuts to Peninsular Malaysia in 2016. The company export volume has increased three-fold to 1.2 million nuts in 2018.
LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY
Swine industry
The swine industry in Sarawak has great potential to be developed for food production and for export market as Sarawak is free from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) as well as having suitable areas for pig farming which are far from population centres.
For this purpose, my Ministry has established a dedicated Pig Farming Area (PFA) at Pasir Puteh, Simunjan. In 2018, the export value of pork products to Singapore was RM50 million. This has made Sarawak the second largest exporter of pork to Singapore within the Asean region.
Poultry layer industry
Sarawak is free from Avian Influenza Disease which has affected poultry industry in the Asian region. Over the past five years, there was an increasing trend in egg export, indicating good potential to increase local production. Our industry players are using high technology production systems.
In 2018, there were 45 layer farms in the state with the layer population of 3.3 million heads producing about 1 billion eggs per year. A total of 52 million eggs were exported to Hong Kong and Indonesia. In addition, Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has expressed its interest of importing poultry eggs from Sarawak. The success of our layer industry is attributable to its adoption of the latest technology along the whole supply chain.
Edible birds’ nest (EBN) industry
The Edible Bird-Nest (EBN) industry is a fast growing sector. In 2018, Sarawak exported 10 metric tonnes of Raw Clean Edible Bird’s Nest worth RM82 million mostly to China. The 2018 export volume represents a 47% increase over the 2017 export figure.
We are able to fulfill the import requirements of our biggest market which is China by complying with their Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA). So far, Sarawak has five bird nest processing plants accredited by CNCA for export to China.
The EBN Industry offers good opportunities for rural farmers to diversify and increase their income. My Ministry, therefore, will continue to support the involvement of smallholders in the industry.
AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY
Shrimp aquaculture in Sarawak
Shrimp farming has always been a strongpoint of our aquaculture industry. In 2016, Sarawak produced 4,416 metric tonnes of shrimp. Sarawak plans to boost shrimp production to 13,000 metric tonnes by 2030. The existing companies presently have access to markets in Australia, China, New Zealand, Japan, European Union and Singapore.
Agro-based industry
Agro-based industry has proven to be an effective way of raising rural income and reducing poverty. The 993 agropreneurs that are monitored by Department of Agriculture Sarawak were able to generate sales volume of RM45.5 million in 2018.
Among the agrobased products that has potential for commercialisation are the dehydrated fruits and vegetables, crisps and crackers, and sauces.
On dehydrated fruits and vegetables, a local company in Miri is now producing the dehydrated Terung Mas and dehydrated Jambu Batu for local market.
On crisps and crackers, a company in Kuching Division is producing bitter gourd crisps or commonly known as Peria Garing for local market. The company has a sales volume of RM1.2 million in 2018. I am sure Members of this Honourable august House have tasted this exciting new product.
On sauces, we have a young graduate who is growing Cili Geronong and processing it into chilli sauce, chilli paste and chilli powder. He is able to earn an income of about RM20,000 a month in 2018 from his enterprise.
NEW INDUSTRIES
Gula apong
Sarawak is blessed with abundant Nipah palm growth along its coastal areas. In view of this, my Ministry has taken steps to turn this resource into a new source of income to the State.
At present, there is a Kuching-based company exporting gula apong products to Hong Kong, South Korea, New Zealand and Canada. The products include natural sugar, gula apong spread, granules and syrup. In 2018, the company exported 19 metric tonnes of those products.
Responses
I would now like to respond to the various requests, views, comments and suggestions by Ahli-Ahli Yang Berhormat on the subjects relating to my Ministry. I wish to record our appreciation to all Ahli Yang Berhormat who had participated in debate and contribute constructive proposal in matters related to my Ministry.
Program Pemajuan Kawasan
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tanjung Datu, kerja-kerja tanah untuk Projek Pemajuan Kawasan (PPK) Matang Terap, Lundu akan dimulakan pada bulan Ogos 2019 dan FELCRA telah dilantik sebagai agensi pelaksana projek.
Pelan Pembangunan juga telah dikemukakan kepada Jabatan Tanah dan Survei dan “State Planning Authority (SPA) pada 8 Oktober 2018 untuk kelulusan.
Master Plan for Agriculture Development in Kapit
For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Bukit Goram, the Government is in the process of preparing a study on the Master Plan for Agriculture and Rural Economy in Sarawak 2018-2050. The study encompasses the whole of Sarawak. Apart from this study, URDA has also develop a plan for agriculture development in Kapit.
Stesen Pertanian di Tubau, Long Urun dan Lusong Laku
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Murum, Kerajaan Sarawak telah meluluskan pembinaan baru Stesen Pertanian Tubau dibawah Rancangan Malaysia Kesebelas (RMK-11) dengan nilai skim RM5 juta. Setakat ini, Jabatan Kerja Raya masih dalam proses pengambilan tapak dan kerja-kerja pembinaan disasarkan akan bermula pada awal tahun 2020.
Bagi Kawasan Lusong Laku, terdapat sebuah Stesen Pertanian yang sudah beroperasi dan seorang Penolong Pegawai Pertanian telah ditempatkan di stesen tersebut.
Untuk permohonan pembinaan Stesen Pertanian Long Urun pula, setakat ini Jabatan Pertanian Sarawak belum lagi mempunyai cadangan untuk membina stesen di sana. Ini memandangkan Stesen Pertanian Sg. Asap masih lagi mampu untuk memberi perkhidmatan kepada kawasan tersebut.
Cadangan menaiktaraf atau pembinaan kuarters dan Pejabat Pertanian Daerah Simunjan
Untuk makluman Yang Berhormat bagi Simunjan, pembinaan baru Pejabat Pertanian Daerah Simunjan tidak diluluskan di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Kesebelas (RMKe-11). Walau bagaimanapun, pihak Jabatan akan mencadangkan semula pembinaan pejabat ini di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Kedua belas (RMke-12).
Rural transformation centre (RTC)
For the information of the Honourable Member for Bukit Goram, RTC is the Federal Government Programme and Pakatan Harapan Government has decided not to continue the programme. Even the existing RTCs in Betong and Sibuti have been handed over to the Sarawak Government.
Agriculture training centre at Nanga Mujong, Kapit
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Pelagus, cadangan pembinaan Pusat Latihan Pertanian di Nanga Mujong, Kapit masih di dalam peringkat kajian. Status tanah perlu disahkan terlebih dahulu dengan Jabatan Tanah dan Survei.
Agropolitan Bukit Sadok Authority Office and One Stop Research Centre in Layar, Betong
For the information of the Honourable Member for Layar, the Government will study the proposal.
I will now touch on other subject matters under my purview.
HAL EHWAL KETUA KAUM DAN KETUA MASYARAKAT
1.1 State government vs Federal government
For the information of Ahli Yang Berhormat for Pelawan, community leaders can attend any programme or function as long as it is official ministerial functions in the State and officiated by a Minister or Deputy Minister.
1.2 Geran MPKK
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Krian, setelah Pakatan Harapan mengambil alih Kerajaan Persekutuan, Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar Malaysia (KPLB) telah menjenamakan semula JKKK kepada MPKK pada 27 Jun 2018. Walau bagaimanapun, Kerajaan Sarawak telah berbincang dengan KPLB dan dipersetujui bersama untuk mengekalkan JKKK dan semua urusan pelantikan serta pentadbiran berkaitan JKKK di bawah kuasa Negeri. Wujud kesefahaman di antara Kerajaan Persekutuan dan Kerajaan Sarawak atas keputusan tersebut.
Semasa mesyuarat itu juga telah diberitahu bahawa elaun Pengerusi MPKK dikurangkan kepada RM500.00 sebulan namun Kerajaan Sarawak membuat keputusan mengekalkan elaun Ketua Kaum selaku Pengerusi JKKK sebanyak RM900.00 dengan menambah peruntukan sebanyak RM 400.00 sebulan.
Berkaitan dengan Peruntukan Geran Pembangunan Berskala Kecil MPKK, had maksimum Geran tersebut bagi sesebuah kampung adalah sebanyak RM10,000.00 setahun. Oleh demikian, jumlah maksima peruntukan keseluruhan untuk Sarawak adalah RM59,760,000.00 dan bukannya RM100 juta seperti yang dinyatakan oleh Ahli Yang Berhormat Krian.
Seperti yang kita sedia maklum, jumlah penduduk setiap kampung dan rumah panjang adalah berbeza-beza. Ada kampung yang hanya mempunyai 20 buah rumah dan rumah panjang yang mempunyai 20 pintu hinggalah beratus buah pintu, sebagai contoh Long Bemang di Miri mempunyai 250 pintu bilik manakala Kampung Beladin di Betong mempunyai 977 buah rumah. Oleh itu jumlah geran yang diperuntukan pada hakikatnya adalah tidak memadai.
Oleh yang demikian, Kerajaan Negeri masih perlu mengkaji cadangan pelaksanaan memandangkan prosedur ini perlu disesuaikan dengan keperluan tempatan. Di samping itu, Kerajaan Sarawak akan memberi peruntukan pembangunan kepada kampung dan rumah panjang mengikut keperluan dari semasa ke semasa.
Pewujudan Jawatan Ketua Kaum
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat Batu Danau, Kerajaan Sarawak akan mempertimbangkan penambahan jawatan Ketua Kaum berdasarkan permohonan dan justifikasi yang diterima daripada pihak Pejabat Residen dan Daerah.
Isu senapang patah
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat Kedup, Kerajaan mengambil maklum berkaitan cadangan tersebut namun begitu sebelum sebarang keputusan dibuat pihak Kerajaan akan membuat pertimbangan dengan mengambil kira semua aspek perundangan sedia ada. Setakat ini pindahmilik hanya dibenarkan di antara ibu-bapa kepada anak sahaja.
Memohon Engkilili dijadikan sebuah daerah
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat Engkilili, Kerajaan Sarawak sentiasa membuat kajian dan penambahbaikan terhadap pentadbiran dan sistem penyampaian perkhidmatan di setiap Bahagian. Sehubungan itu, pihak Kerajaan akan menaiktaraf sesuatu kawasan sekiranya wujud keperluan dan justifikasi yang meningkat dari segi pembangunan dan pentadbiran.
Asas-asas utama pertimbangan untuk mewujudkan Daerah dan Daerah Kecil tetapi tidak terhad kepada kriteria yang ditetap adalah seperti berikut:
- Penduduk:
- Daerah: Lebih 25,000 orang
- Daerah kecil: 7,000 – 10,000
- Kawasan yang cukup luas dan mempunyai potensi aktiviti ekonomi yang tinggi (1,000 km persegi bagi sebuah Daerah);
- Aktiviti urusan rasmi yang tinggi seperti kutipan hasil yang memuaskan;
- Peningkatan perkhidmatan yang lebih efisien; dan
- Lokasi agak jauh dan cara pengangkutan yang sukar dari pusat pentadbiran yang berhampiran.
Walaupun kriteria kekangan-kekangan lain perlu juga dipertimbangkan sebelum memuktamadkan pembentukan satu satu Daerah atau Daerah Kecil.
Wabak rabies
Sehingga 3 Mei 2019, sebanyak 62 kawasan di sebelas Bahagian pentadbiran Sarawak telah diisytiharkan sebagai Kawasan Wabak Rabies kecuali Bahagian Limbang. Oleh itu, pihak Kerajaan telah membuat pengisytiharan wabak Rabies sebagai Bencana Tahap II seperti yang termaktub dalam Arahan Majlis Keselamatan Negara No. 20 (MKN 20) pada 11 Januari 2019. Di bawah Arahan MKN 20, Pesuruhjaya Polis Sarawak adalah Komander Operasi khas ini dan mewajibkan semua agensi untuk menyumbang dan memberi kerjasama untuk menjayakan operasi tersebut.
Dengan pengisytiharan wabak Rabies sebagai Bencana Tahap II, operasi pembenterasan wabak Rabies melalui vaksinasi, kempen kesedaran dan targeted stray removal telah diperhebatkan. Bantuan kewangan, peralatan dan pakar-pakar veterinar kerajaan pusat telah disalurkan. Melalui kolaborasi agensi-agensi kerajaan pusat dan negeri, operasi dan kempen kesedaran membanteras wabak Rabies dapat dilaksanakan dengan lebih holistik dan bersepadu. Untuk makluman Dewan Yang Mulia ini, tindakan-tindakan yang telah diambil pihak kerajaan telah berjaya mengawal perebakan wabak ini. Impak yang paling ketara ialah tiada kes rabies manusia sejak pengisytiharan Bencana Tahap II jika dibandingkan dengan 17 kes rabies manusia termasuk 16 kematian sebelum pengisytiharan.
Untuk makluman Dewan Yang Mulia ini juga, Operasi Khas Rabies Sarawak dibahagikan kepada 15 fasa. Matlamat operasi ini adalah untuk menyuntik vaksin Rabies kepada semua (100%) anjing peliharaan dan “targeted removal” anjing liar. Sehingga 3 Mei 2019, Operasi Khas Rabies Sarawak Fasa 1 hingga Fasa 3 bagi Daerah Lundu, Bau, Padawan, Samarahan dan Bandaraya Kuching telah berjaya dilaksanakan.
Sebanyak 4,350 ekor anjing liar telah diambil tindakan ‘targeted removal’’ dan 10,514 ekor anjing peliharaan telah diberi suntikan vaksin Rabies.
Jumlah terkumpul anjing yang disuntik vaksin Rabies di seluruh Sarawak adalah 120,353 atau 57% dari anggaran 210,000 ekor. Manakala bilangan kes kumulatif gigitan haiwan yang berlaku sejak 1 Julai 2017 sehingga 03 Mei 2019 adalah berjumlah 25,593 kes. Kerajaan Negeri ingin merakamkan setinggi-tinggi penghargaan kepada semua pihak khususnya, petugas-petugas yang berdedikasi dan masyarakat yang telah memberikan kerjasama yang sepenuhnya. Dengan kejayaan yang diperolehi, 12 fasa operasi lagi akan dilaksanakan selepas Hari Raya Aidilfitri nanti.
ISU KESELAMATAN
Keadaan keselamatan semasa negeri Sarawak
Untuk makluman Dewan Yang Mulia ini, seperti yang dilaporkan pada Mesyuarat Kedua bagi Penggal Ketiga Persidangan DUN 2018, secara keseluruhannya keadaan semasa keselamatan bagi Negeri Sarawak adalah kekal dalam keadaan aman dan terkawal. Majlis Keselamatan Negara Negeri Sarawak bersama agensi-agensi penguatkuasaan yang berkaitan menumpukan isu-isu jenayah rentas sempadan dan berjaya mematahkan beberapa kes cubaan penyeludupan kenderaan dan barang-barang kawalan bagi tempoh 4 bulan pertama tahun ini. Selain itu, keselamatan maritim turut diberi perhatian memandangkan wujud insiden pihak negara asing menghalang nelayan-nelayan tempatan menjalankan aktiviti perikanan di perairan Sarawak. Di samping itu, pencerobohan oleh nelayan asing juga dipantau rapi dan diambil tindakan tegas oleh agensi-agensi penguatkuasaan yang berkaitan.
Sementara bagi tempoh perbandingan Januari hingga April 2018/2019, jenayah indeks telah meningkat sebanyak 1.05% iaitu pertambahan 20 kes. Jenayah kekerasan telah menunjukan penurunan sebanyak 8.88% (272 kes) tetapi jenayah harta benda telah menunjukkan peningkatan sebanyak 3% iaitu pertambahan 47 kes yang disumbangkan oleh jenayah pecah rumah dan curi. Walau pun terdapat sedikit peningkatan bagi jenayah indeks dan harta benda, secara keseluruhannya, keadaan keselamatan negeri Sarawak masih dalam keadaan selamat dan terkawal.
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Telang Usan dan Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Murum, berhubung dengan pembinaan Balai Polis di Long Bedian Sungai Apoh dan Balai Polis di Sg. Asap, perkara ini masih dalam peringkat kajian PDRM. Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Lingga, cadangan untuk membina Pondok Polis Maludam yang baharu bagi menggantikan bangunan yang sudah usang, kerajaan negeri telah menyediakan tapak tanah di Lot 2546, blok 1, Triso Land District dengan keluasan tanah 0.76 Hektar dan telah menyerahkan hak milik kepada Pesuruhjaya Tanah Persekutuan. Pembinaan projek ini adalah tertakluk kepada kelulusan Kerajaan Persekutuan.
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tasik Biru, Jabatan Imigresen telah membuat permohonan projek ICQS Serikin pada Rancangan Malaysia ke-11. Walau bagaimanapun, projek ini tidak diluluskan dalam Rancangan tersebut.
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Bukit Semuja, kes jenayah di kawasan Serian tidak menunjukkan peningkatan ketara berbanding dengan tahun lepas. Walau bagaimanapun, tindakan telah diambil dengan menubuhkan pasukan khas (task force) untuk membanteras penjenayah yang terlibat. Untuk menjaga keselamatan semua dengan lebih berkesan, masyarakat adalah digesa untuk menjadi mata dan telinga pihak polis dengan menyalurkan apa-apa maklumat kepada pihak polis untuk diambil tindakan. Laporan polis boleh dibuat di mana-mana balai polis terdekat.
Kawalan pintu masuk ke negeri Sarawak
Pemasangan facial recognition system dan mesin pengimbas dokumen yang dilengkapi dengan perisian forensik telah dipasang di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuching pada tahun 2016. Pelan untuk memperluaskan sistem tersebut diatas ke pintu masuk yang lain akan dilaksanakan untuk meningkatkan kawalan pintu masuk apabila peruntukan kewangan diperolehi. Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia sedang membangunkan sistem Intelligent Data Profilling untuk meningkatkan sistem pengumpulan data dan maklumat perisikan yang mampu untuk mengesan kemasukan anasir-anasir yang boleh mengancam keselamatan negara.
Bagi memantapkan lagi kawalan pintu masuk Negeri Sarawak, pembinaan Pos Kawalan Imigresen Ba’kelalan, Lawas yang bermula pada 31 Mei 2017 dan dijangka siap pada Julai 2019 dengan kemajuan setakat ini sebanyak 78.33%.
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Tanjung Datu, bagi meningkatkan kawalan keselamatan di Telok Melano, Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia dengan kerjasama Majlis Keselamatan Negara Negeri Sarawak sedang mengenalpasti tapak yang strategik untuk pembinaan Pos Kawalan Imigresen Telok Melano, Lundu. Pasukan Gerakan Am (PGA) PDRM telah menambah 50% keanggotaan yang bertugas di Pos Kawalan Keselamatan Teluk Melano. Dengan penambahan kekuatan tersebut, PGA telah dapat meningkatkan kekerapan rondaan di kawasan sempadan sebanyak dua kali ganda. Manakala, pihak Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah Lundu telah melakukan rondaan dan pemeriksaan mengejut setiap hari di sepanjang Lebuhraya Pan-Borneo sejak dirasmikan pembukaannya.
Untuk makluman Ahli Yang Berhormat bagi Kedup, MKN Sarawak telah mengadakan Program Randau Keselamatan yang merangkumi elemen-elemen pendidikan, pencegahan dan kesedaran di kawasan sempadan dari masa ke semasa. Sebagai contoh, Program Randau Keselamatan telah diadakan pada 6 Januari 2019 yang dihadiri kira-kira 200 orang penduduk setempat dari 7 buah kampung dan 10 Tuai Rumah. Agensi-agensi yang turut terlibat dalam program ini adalah Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, Jabatan Ukur dan Pemetaan Malaysia serta PDRM.
Native courts Sarawak
Now I would like to enlighten this august House on the affairs of the Native Courts of Sarawak particularly with reference to the points raised by the Honourable Member for Krian.
The Native Courts system is part of the State’s history as it has been part of our administration system even before the formation of Malaysia. It has also been part and parcel of the Resident and District Office administration and under the Native Courts Ordinance which was passed by this august House in November 1992, the Residents and District Officers who are ex-officio First Class Magistrates under the Subordinates Courts Act 1948 are the Presiding Officers of the Resident and District Native Courts respectively.
The Native Courts in the State comes under the direct supervision and coordination of the Chief Registrar Office. It is a Unit under the Chief Minister’s Department and came into being in June 1993 under the provisions of the Native Courts Ordinance 1992. After more than 26 years in existence and in view of various challenges in meeting the expectation from the rakyat for fast and efficient service delivery, a proper review of the operations of the Chief Registrar Office namely as just a Unit in the Chief Minister’s Department is both timely and necessary. It is for this reason that the State Government had decided to undertake a comprehensive study with the ultimate objective of restructuring and elevating the status of the Native Courts to be an independent and autonomous judicial system like the Syariah and Civil Courts.
The functions and operations of the Native Courts of Sarawak is relevant and applicable to almost 70% of the State population. We are therefore very fortunate and most thankful to Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Chief Minister of Sarawak for recognising and according due importance to the Native Courts in the administration of justice pertaining to disputes over NCR land and the adat amongst the Natives.
The approval by the Right Honourable Chief Minister for the State Government to embark on a comprehensive study to transform the Native Courts of Sarawak is indeed a wise and noble move as this will ensure that Native Courts remain relevant in meeting current and future challenges of the native community, particularly the challenges resulting from our continuous development of the rural areas and digital economy.
The Government is in the process of appointing a Consultant to undertake the study which will cover various aspects of the Native Courts such as its structure and organization, operation and management, special jurisdiction and amendments to the existing Native Courts Ordinance 1992. The outcome and deliverable of the study will be a masterplan and recommended action plans on the restructuring and elevation of current Native Courts of Sarawak particularly in terms of its organizational structure and manpower, special powers and jurisdiction with regards to native customary land, laws and customs, and organizational capacity and computerization of the Native Courts system. The study will take nine (9) months to complete.
CONCLUSION
Land matters
Land has always been a sensitive issue in Sarawak. It has been exploited by the opposition since the early days of Sarawak politics. This habit of manipulating land issues is witnessed by us till today. As time goes by, I am confident that Sarawakians will see the sincerity of the GPS Government to resolve this complex issue.
This can be seen in the petitions received by my office recently from the Wakil Jawantankuasa Tanah Hak Adat (NCR) of various kampungs in Samarahan, Serian and Miri areas which contained numerous signatures urging the Sarawak Government to expedite the enforcement of the Land Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2018.
The signatories who were previously misled are now expressing their appreciation to the GPS Government for its initiative in incorporating a new Section (Section 6A) to the Sarawak Land Code. This new Section grants Native Communal Title in perpetuity to Native Territorial Domain.
For the information of this august House, the Land (Native Communal Title) Rules 2019 was approved by cabinet on 28th March 2019. This rule laid out the procedure to process application for Native Communal Title for Native Territorial Domain under Section 6A of the Sarawak Land Code (Amendment) 2018.
The next step will be to fix a date of enforcement of Sarawak Land Code (Amendment) 2018.
This development is a clear indication of the commitment of GPS Government to implement law reform as laid out in Sarawak Land Code (Amendment) 2018.
Upholding Sarawak’s rights
The fundamental question in the minds of Sarawakians today is, will our rights as enshrined at the Federal Constitution and as per MA63 be regained or eroded. At the same time, will be able to protect our existing rights.
For me the answer is obvious, we must regain the eroded rights. It is OUR RIGHTS! SARAWAK’S RIGHTS! as laid out in Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Our fate will be decided by the Special Cabinet Steering Committee on implementing the Malaysian Agreement 1963 (MA63). The committee is chaired by Yang Amat Berhormat Prime Minister and the Sarawak team is led by Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Ketua Menteri.
I wish to congratulate Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi, Chief Minister for his wisdom for taking a bold and courageous step to put forward the four (4) non-negotiable State Rights during Special Cabinet Steering Committee on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) held on 17th December 2018.
The four non-negotiable state rights are:
- State autonomous rights on immigration;
- State’s Rights to land under the Sarawak Land Code;
- State border protection including the continental shelf; and
- State sovereignty over the sea, underground and its resources within the state
These are our rights, Sarawak Rights as enshrined in our Constitution and per MA63. The people of Sarawak support the move to protect those rights by laying it out as non-negotiable rights. IT’S OURS!
The people of Sarawak wants a better government delivery systems and services, better infrastructure, education and health services, more employment and business opportunities and a better future. Their aspiration and expectations for development and progress will continue to be on the rise. Sarawak will need to remain competitive and progressive to keep up with the rest of Malaysia and the world. We can only achieve our aspirations and ambitions only if those rights remain ours – intact and protected.
Hence, it is appropriate for our Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Chief Minister to uphold a firm stance for Sarawak. To protect Sarawak Rights. To ensure that Sarawak is given the level of executive, legislative, administrative and financial autonomy, so that Sarawak will be a strong, vibrant and equal partner in the Federation.
Therefore, I urge all members of this House and the people of Sarawak to give our full support to the GPS Government. Only Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) is capable of fighting for Sarawak’s Rights and Interests. GPS Sarawak First!
Pantun
With that, I would like to end my winding up speech with three pantun:
- CPPC moden dibina di Tarat
Tempat petani menjual durian
Kerajaan GPS berjiwa Rakyat
MA63 tetap kita perjuangkan
- Ramai orang pergi ke Serian
Singgah sebentar membeli belah
Kerajaan Pakatan janjikan harapan
Setahun memerintah rakyat semakin susah
- Teknologi digital pemangkin pembangunan
Transformasi ekonomi kita gandakan
Janji manis Pakatan jangan kita harapkan
GPS Abang Jo menjamin masa depan
Untuk mengakhiri perbahasan saya, saya ingin mengucapkan taniah kepada Datuk Amar Speaker dan Tuan Speaker kerana telah dengan jayanya mengendalikan persidangan Dewan kali ini. Terima kasih saya ucapkan kepada Setiausaha Kerajaan Sarawak, Ketua-ketua Jabatan dan kakitangan kerajaan kerana telah memberi kerjasama sepanjang Dewan bersidang. Tidak lupa kepada pihak media yang bertungkus-lumus sebagai pihak penyampai untuk membuat liputan.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish those who are observing this holy month of Ramadan, Selamat Berpuasa and Selamat Hari Raya in advance.
To all my Dayak friends, Selamat Hari Gawai Gayu Guru Gerai Nyamai.
