BINTULU: A total of 43 recipients in the Kemena constituency have received a Minor Rural Project (MRP) Phase Two allocation totaling RM594,000 to implement various social and community development programmes.

Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the recipients consist of representatives from the Kemena, Sebauh, Suai, Niah areas as well as several other localities who have submitted applications.

“Today I handed over cheques to 43 recipients involving the Kemena, Sebauh, Suai, Niah areas and several other areas.

“The total allocation channeled amounted to RM594,000,” he said when speaking at the Kemena Constituency Phase Two MRP Cheque Handover Ceremony held at the Bintulu Division Agriculture Department, on Thursday.

At the ceremony, the Kemena Assemblyman also urged the youth to view the agriculture sector as an area that could offer better career prospects and economic returns through the use of modern technology.

According to Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi, the development of smart agriculture projects based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and the fusion farming concept in Batu 11 are among the government’s efforts to produce more competitive young agricultural entrepreneurs.

“After graduating from university, the youth need to utilise the knowledge they have gained to create opportunities to generate income, insteading of relying on paid employment.

“Earning a salary provides a steady income, while creating income opens up opportunities to build wealth,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony were Bintulu Division Resident Datu Nyurak Keti, Sebauh District Officer Thaddeus Ling and Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Collin Patan. -UKASnews