Dr Simon Sinang Bada (GPS-Tebedu) has called for a permanent ‘Pasar Tamu’ to be built in Bandar Mutiara Tebedu.
He said this would enable farmers to market their agricultural products and all downstream products produced by farmers.
“On April 30 to May 1, the District Office in collaboration with Tebedu Service Centre organised the Desa Fair Tebedu 2022 in Bandar Mutiara Tebedu.
“The objective was to help farmers market agricultural products and handicrafts. The overwhelming response has been inspiring and, at the same time, reminded us that Tebedu District was in dire need of traders markets for these farmers,” he said in his maiden speech during the motion of appreciation to the Head of State (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud’s address at the DUN Sitting today.
He appealed to the Sarawak government through Serian District Council and the Department of Agriculture or Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) to build a permanent ‘Pasar Tamu.’
Simon also pointed out although the Tebedu District had a new Agriculture Department Office, there were only two officers doing all the extension service work, office management work and others.
“As such, in line with the TYT’s address, that calls for a modernised agriculture sector, I wish to appeal to the Minister of Modernisation Of Agriculture and Regional Development to increase the number of staff with the right knowledge and expertise related to the activities that are being carried out in my constituency.
“These farmers require all the extension services and assistance for them to upgrade their knowledge, upgrade the productivity with the Internet Of Thing (IoT) and upgrade their incomes in line with the state’s aspiration to achieve a high income economy by 2030,” he said.
Simon added more fundings were needed to provide more agriculture roads to farmers so that they could modernise and mechanise their farming practices.
“I also urge and appeal to the minister to continue the Agriculture Facilitation Fund (AFF) programmes with little modifications so that these villagers will continue to receive all the assistance and help needed, especially during this post COVID-19 era,” he said.
