Strategic Infrastructure Opens New Markets For People's Products
SEBUYAU: Strategic infrastructure such as bridges and roads developed by the Sarawak Government will open up more new markets for the purpose of marketing people's products, especially agricultural products.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said that apart from connecting rural areas, it is the government's aspiration to see developed infrastructure capable of helping the people increase their economy and household income.
“Among the ways to do so is to open up access to our rural areas so that the people’s economy can increase, which means the income of the rural people can be increased.
“Among them is through agriculture and fishery, namely those who work as farmers and fishermen,” he said.
He said this during his speech at the Batang Lupar 1 Bridge Opening Ceremony, here on Thursday.
According to Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari, this infrastructure project will bring production areas closer to market areas to promote products produced by the people, including outside of Sarawak, thus reducing the risk of loss of unmarketed products.
This was made possible following the government’s initiative to establish trade and tourism offices in neighbouring countries and at the same time establish its own airline, AirBorneo, he explained.
“We now have offices in Brunei Darussalam and Singapore to expand market access to Sarawak products. For example, tilapia fish from Batang Ai is now sent to Singapore every week and has received an encouraging response because of its quality taste. This arrangement directly increases the income of tilapia fish entrepreneurs.
“Soon, fishery products such as ikan terubuk from Sebuyau, Batang Lupar, Daro and Batang Lassa, as well as ikan lumek from Pulau Bruit, are also expected to enjoy increased market value. Access to the market will be easier and more efficient, thus increasing the price and income of local fishermen and fishery product entrepreneurs,” he added.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Legislative Assembly Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar, Minister for Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak Cabinet Ministers, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak Deputy Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, Assemblymen and heads of departments. -UKASnews
