RM1 billion for Batang Lupar in 10MP

BETONG: Some RM1 billion worth of projects will be implemented in Batang Lupar parliamentary constituency under the 10th Malaysia Plan and beyond, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

BRIEFED: Muhyiddin being briefed by Batang Lupar MP Datuk Rohani Karim on profile report and also a few applications and suggestions about Kampung Beladin at ‘Jom Berambeh’ Carnival and Minister with the People ceremony at Kampung Beladin Mini Stadium. — Bernama photo

He said the projects would be implemented in phases based on their priority, urgency and the availability of funds.

“I am very passionate about agriculture. So I would like to see the traditional farming and traditional fishing here should be modernised to improve the livelihood of the people.

“The livelihood of farmers and fishermen here will be changed for the better in future once the necessary infrastructure such as drainage and irrigation, and roads are improved.

“We want the people here to have better livelihood through value-added products,” Muhyiddin said in his speech when addressing the people at ‘Jom Berambeh @ Parliamen Batang Lupar’ held at Kampung Beladin Mini Stadium some 50km from here yesterday.

He said farmers and fishermen in Batang Lupar area needed to embrace change so as to improve their traditional farming and fishing methods for better harvest and plentiful catches.

“For instance if you are a fisherman and merely sell your catch, why not think of a way to value add your product by producing crackers. By doing that you will double or even triple your income,” he said, adding that they should also consider venturing into deep sea fishing to increase their haul.

He disclosed that among the projects to be implemented in the “very near future” in the area would be RM39.7 million for repairs and maintenance of longhouses, RM 25.5 million for mosques and suraus, RM3 million for irrigation and drainage and RM500,000 for a community hall in Beladin.

However, he said, the whole Batang Lupar area would need at least RM1 billion in allocation to improve the livelihood of the people.

“This is the pledge of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government. Unlike the opposition, we will implement what we have promised to the people,” said Muhyiddin.

Muhyiddin, who is also the Minister of Education, stressed that the government would also continue to improve other needs of the people in Batang Lupar such as treated water, schools, clinics and other infrastructure projects.

“As there is no maternity clinic here, the government will build one soon,” he assured.

He disclosed that he had all the details of the people’s needs, which had been prepared in a report by Batang Lupar MP and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Datuk Rohani Karim and Beting Maro assemblyman Datuk Bolhassan Di.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Rural Development Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang and Rohani also spoke at the function.

Among those present were Minister of Housing and Urban Development Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg, Senator Dato Sri Empiang Jabu, Bolhassan Di, Bukit Saban assemblyman Robert Lawson Chuat, Saribas assemblyman Dr Wahbi Junaidi, Lingga assemblywoman Simoi Peri, Federal State Secretary Yahaya Basimin, Deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Muran and Betong Resident Datu Romie Sigan Daniel.