Uggah (centre), with Gerawat on his left, receives a ‘sape’ as a token of appreciation from Dennis. On Dennis’ right is Anyi.
LONG LAMA: The state government will continue to implement initiatives for agricultural activities to enhance the economic growth of Sarawak.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this would include development programmes to turn Long Lama into a Rural Growth Centre (RGC).
“We will continue to implement the RGC programmes in Long Lama because it is important for this area to be turned into a development centre in the highlands of Baram,” said Uggah, who is also the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development, when officiating at the second anniversary celebration of Telang Usan as a district, at Dewan SJKC Kee Tee here yesterday.
Uggah said the ministry is also working together with the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) to lay out plans that would be put into action through the Highlands Development Agency (HDA).
“We will hold a meeting on Oct 4 to determine the plans needed for people of Long Lama, one of the focus areas of the HDA. This would help to ensure that no one is left behind in the government’s efforts to bring progress to people of Sarawak.”
Uggah pointed out that the highlands of Long Lama have great potential in agricultural development, similar to Kundasang in Sabah and Cameron Highlands in Pahang, which have many successful farmers who market their agricultural products globally.
Adding on, he said many perceive farming as ‘hard and dirty work – usually associated with the poor rural folk’.
“On the contrary, agriculture is now a very lucrative sector,” he said.
Uggah alsoemphasised that Sarawak has a competitive edge in the global agricultural sector with advanced digital technologies today.
“Therefore, I would like to encourage Sarawakians, especially the younger generation, to take these great opportunities to improve their economic and financial standing as well as to further enhance the state’s economy. My advice is to be prepared for digital economy.”
The fifth Long Lama Water Festival, which kicked off on Sept 28 and concluded yesterday, coincided with the anniversary of the establishment of Telang Usan as a district yesterday.
Uggah commended the organising committee for hosting such a memorable event for the people of Long Lama and also the visitors from near and far.
“Apart from fostering closer relationships, this festival also offers great business opportunities that help stimulate the local economy.”
At the event, Uggah announced an allocation of RM50, 000 for the festival organisers.
The collaborators of the event included the Ministry of Industrial and Entrepreneurs Development (MIED), Ministry of Urban and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports, Sarawak Energy Bhd and Petronas Sabah Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP).
Baram MP Anyi Ngau, Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala, Telang Usan assemblyman and festival advisor Dennis Ngau, Telang Usan District Officer and festival organising chairman Baru Tai, Miri Resident Sherrina Hussaini, Marudi District Council Walikota Edward Mendai, political secretary to chief minister Charles Balan Seling, Recoda chief executive officer Tan Sri Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot and Doh Kayan (Kayan Women’s Association) Telang Usan (DKTU) chairwoman Temenggong Elizabeth Deng were also present.