BETONG: Government economic programmes aimed at benefiting the rakyat will face failure without close cooperation, a sense of belonging, and commitment from the community, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.
Speaking at the Sejati Madani fund mock cheque presentation ceremony for the Betong District on Tuesday (Jan 21), he stressed the importance of unity and active participation in ensuring the success of these initiatives.
“There are some who prefer to criticise and pour scorn on leaders striving to make these programmes successful. Such negative attitudes should not surface, as these activities are ultimately designed to help them,” he said.
The federal government allocated RM2.75 million last year to empower 28 village security and development committees (JKKKs) in the district.
The funding is intended to facilitate their participation in four key sectors aimed at generating and increasing household income.
Uggah highlighted five main sectors under the programme, namely agriculture and food, sewing and handicraft, herbs and health, tourism and hospitality, and greening and recycling.
“In Betong District, the allocation has supported 17 programmes under agriculture and food, 14 under tourism and hospitality, and one under sewing and handicraft,” he added.
He noted that Sarawak received an allocation of RM100 million under the Sejati Madani programme last year, benefiting 1,024 JKKKs across the state to implement a total of 1,124 initiatives.
Uggah urged all participating JKKKs to utilise the allocated funds effectively for their benefit.
“In Betong District, we will closely monitor the progress and success of hydroponic and fertigation farms, fish ponds, and programmes under tourism, hospitality, sewing, and handicrafts,” he said.
Also present at the event were Betong Member of Parliament Dr Richard Rapu, Engkilili assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong, Director of the State Development Office under the Prime Minister’s Department Jasni Jubli, Betong Division Resident Richard Abunawas, and Betong District Officer Laga Kueh.
