KUCHING: Residents in the Padawan, including those in Mambong, have been urged to be active in agriculture to improve their socioeconomic status.
Deputy Minister for Transport, Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said this was important so that Padawan could continue becoming a food basket in Kuching Division.
“Currently, many agricultural produce from Padawan such as ginger, galangal, tepus, vegetables and others are sold at Kubah Ria Supermarket, Stutong Community Market and Riyal Samarahan City Market.
“Padawan has large and fertile land for agricultural activities and it is only appropriate that residents take advantage of this.
“I will work on various efforts to help our community increase their income,” the Mambong assemblyman said at the Padawan Sub-District Malaysia Day celebration at Kampung Rejoi, Bengoh Resettlement Scheme here today.
In addition to agriculture, Dr Jerip also urged the community to explore tourism activities. “Tourism is one way of generating the community’s economy, and as of July 31 this year, a total of 703,891 domestic and foreign tourists have arrived in Sarawak, contributing RM1.64bil to the Sarawak economy.”
He said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg had also announced the establishment of an agency responsible for development in Bidayuh areas from Lundu to Serian through the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency, whose function is more or less that of the Regional Integrated Development Agency Samarahan.
“The agency will coordinate development in all eight DUN seats and their surrounding areas.”
Therefore, he called on the Bidayuh community, especially community leaders and village development and security committees, to provide data regarding socioeconomic development in their respective villages so that careful planning can be implemented.
Meanwhile, the state-level Malaysia Day will be celebrated in Betong Division with the theme “Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama”.
Dr Jerip said the theme reflected the spirit, appreciation, concern and perseverance of Malaysians in facing challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This year’s theme is also seen as an effort to build the value of understanding and unifying society in the diversity of races.”
