Jabu handing over a certificate to a participant of the Sg. Bugau Tagang System project.
KANOWIT: The Tagang System is ideal for the rural community as it helps ensure long-term supply of quality fish, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang.
As the system is well guarded and maintained, it deters the use of poison and electricity to catch fish from the river, he said at the presentation of certificate to the committee members of the Sg. Bugau Tagang System in Kajah, Ulu Ngemah, on Saturday.
He said Baram, Long Lidong in Lawas, and Lemanak in Lubok Antu have similar systems, too.
“Those involved in the Tagang System should maintain it properly as it will help to improve their standard of living,” said Jabu, who later released 6,000 ‘empurau’ fish fry into the Bugau River.
At the function, he announced a government grant totalling RM60,000 for the Sg Bugau Tagang System committee to turn their house cum post into a home stay.
Of the amount, Jabu pledged RM20,000, Assistant Minister for Public Utilities and Rural Youth Development Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Uttom (RM10,000), Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (RM20,000) and Ngemah assemblyman Alexander Vincent (RM10,000).
They were all present.
On another matter, Jabu, also Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Minister for Rural Development, advised rural folk to stay united and to reject all opposition parties as associating with them was useless.
He said only the Barisan Nasional government could develop their areas.
The government, he assured, would continue to develop those areas where pockets of poverty still exist.
Aaron, who also spoke, advised his constituents to cooperate with the Land and Survey Department on perimeter surveying matters.
He said rumours that the government was out to grab their land were baseless.
Meanwhile, Sg. Bugau Tagang System committee advisor Dr Charlie Dudang said he contributed RM10,000 to start the project.
The plan is to have plenty of fish like ‘empurau’ and ‘semah’ in two or three years’ time, and this would greatly benefit the 56 participants from six nearby longhouses, he said.
Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture Datu Dr Ngenang Janggu, State Agriculture Department director Lai Kui Fong, and political secretaries Isik Utau, Victor Temenggong, and Romeo Christopher Tegong were also present.