KOTA SAMARAHAN: Native Customary Rights (NCR) landowners are urged to make full use of their lands for the food sector in order to develop the state’s economy.
Assistant Minister for Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Datuk Mohd Naroden Majais said if NCR land were developed, they would not only generate income for rural folk but also help in boosting the state’s economy.
“If 70 per cent of our Bumiputera friends in the rural areas develop their NCR lands seriously, they will have a positive impact on the economy, especially the state’s economy, at least in the food industry,” he said.
He said this at the Entreprenuerial Seminar at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Kota Samarahan campus yesterday.
Also present was UiTM Sarawak rector Prof Dato Dr Jamil Hamali.
Naroden, who is also Simunjan assemblyman, said oppurutnities in the food industry are abundant for those in the rural areas.
He said for instance the demand for ‘kerepek’ inEuropeis 175 tonnes which is equivalent to five containers.
“We can only produce seven tonnes, meaning there is a ready market for the product. Our farmers should grab this oppurtunity to find ways to increase their production,” he said.
Meanwhile, the programme is held to expose participants to business oppurtunities and support system.
It is also to create awareness among participants on the perspectives of entrepreneurship.