Deputy minister encourages modern farming for substantial returns

MARUDI: The field of agriculture currently offers substantial returns and Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil stressed the need to transition from traditional to modern farming methods to achieve significant yields.

Speaking during the Agriculture Community Outreach Program (AgriCOP) at Rh Asi Sayun, Sungai Arang here recently, Penguang cited examples such as “hydrophobic plants, fertigation of ‘musang king’ durian, and oil palm, and many others can yield substantial results when properly managed.”

The Marudi assemblyman said the Sarawak government, through the Department of Agriculture, is committed to assisting farmers in the state. He advised landowners to cultivate their land by planting potentially beneficial crops. 

Penguang also mentioned that agencies like the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA), the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA), and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) have agreed to collaborate with residents of Rh Asi and Rh Jelaping to advance agriculture in the areas.

Discussing development in the Marudi area, he noted that the Marudi Bridge is expected to be completed in October 2024, and construction of the road from Miri to Marudi will commence in 2024. 

The event was also attended by Department of Agriculture director Dominic Chunggat.