Salang has big plans for Julau

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JULAU: Julau parliamentary constituency will once again be a major producer of pepper, rubber and oil palm if its MP Datuk Joseph Salang has his ways.

He is now working on several plans to help upgrade the economy of the area so that the people could have more stable income.

“I have spoken to Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal to get Rubber Industry Smallholder Development Authority’s assistance for the people to plant new clone of rubber,” he said at the ‘1Malaysia Community’ function organised by the Information Department at Rumah Anyut in Balut, Ulu Lasi, here on Saturday. Salang added that he had also talked to Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok to get Malaysian Palm Oil Board to help the people plant oil palm.

“At the same time, I will find out from Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, who is the chairman of Malaysian Pepper Board, to see what he can offer farmers so that Julau and Pakan areas would enhance its standing as the state’s leading producer of pepper.

“I am planning all these because sooner or later more roads will reach rural areas.”

Salang, who is also Deputy Minister of Information, Communication and Culture, said better road links would present enormous opportunities for the people, especially in their agricultural pursuits.

“You have the land, so you should get relevant assistance from the agencies concerned.

“If you work hard and are committed enough, you can be successful.”

Earlier, he said he would look into the request of the people in Ulu Lasi for a permanent bridge to replace the existing suspension bridge crossing Julau River.

The bridge, connecting Rumah Nyandang to Nanga Lasi health clinic and SK Nanga Lasi, would benefit about 14 longhouses in the area, he noted.