Masing (fifth left) and community leaders in front of the Bukit Mabong backdrop.
KAPIT: The Sungai Tunoh basin in the newly established Bukit Mabong district has the potential to become a major rice production region and one of the rice bowls of Sarawak.
Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing expressed this optimism when speaking at the ceremony to declare Bukit Mabong a district at the Civic Centre here on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem officiated at the ceremony.
“Sungai Tunoh located on the alluvial flood plains at the foothills of Bukit Mabong is suitable for large scale commercial wet padi cultivation as the land is flat and very fertile and the farmers do not need to use fertilisers.
“The Iban community living in and around the areas have been planting padi in Sungai Tunoh river basin for years. Its fertile soil has offered not only good padi harvest, but is an ideal place for the planting of tropical fruits and vegetables of all kinds,” he said.
He further said the Agriculture Department and private companies had conducted experiments on planting padi and other crops and vegetables there.
“They have proven to be viable means to generate income. In rice farming, the critical factor is water. Water in Sungai Tunoh is not an issue as the use of a proper drainage system is an option.
“A private company, on its own, has done a pilot project involving some five acres of land in Sungai Tunoh. It was most successful and now they are asking for funds to further develop rice cultivation in the area. If they are successful in getting the funds, I am confident that Sungai Tunoh river basin can be developed into one of the rice bowls of Sarawak,” stressed Masing.
He added that the surrounding hills of no less than 50,000 acres of land were suitable for the cultivation of cash crops like oil palm, rubber trees, ‘gaharu’ (sandal wood) and rearing of animals like cattle and goats.
Currently, he continued, Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) was doing in-depth studies on developing Sungai Tunoh river basin along this line.
He also said the development of Sungai Tunoh hinterland is a prerequisite of developing Bukit Mabong township.
“Unless and until the hinterland of this region is developed and generates sufficient income, the development of Bukit Mabong township cannot and will not take place with any chance of success. It will be like putting a cart before the horse.
“Thus it is most important that Sungai Tunoh hinterland must first be developed before we even think of constructing the township,” he pointed out.
On another matter, he said a spur road from Baleh HEP would be built to allow easy access to Bukit Mabong township.
“The proposal has been done and given to the state government for its consideration and I believe it will be built. We have the funds and it’s a question of time,” he said.
He expressed his appreciation to the creators of the Bukit Mabong backdrop and its special effects.
“It’s different from those that I have seen so far and is able to express what this occasion is all about,” he said and wished the Resident, district officer of Bukit Mabong and their staff all the best in their efforts to create a ‘Town In The Jungle’.