BETONG: The state government is willing to approve applications to use state lands in Betong constituency either for agriculture or for village expansion.
In announcing this, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem pointed out that the scarcity of vacant lands in Beladin were among the major issues that had been identified by the state government.
“Those who want to develop state land must identify the site first, this issue (scarcity of land) must be dealt with quickly,” said Adenan during the PBB Betong Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri at SMK Beladin multipurpose hall on Sunday.
He urged the people to work together and set aside their differences as squabbles would hinder development in their area.
“I can see that this area has experienced many drastic changes. Nevertheless, there are still current and future development projects to be carried out by the government here in the next five years,” said Adenan, who is also Land Custody and Development Authority (Pelita) chairman.
He also said the state government was serious in closing the economic and development gap between the urban and rural areas.
He revealed that he had met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to request for more allocation for rural development, which saw the premier allocating a sum of RM500 million.
The allocation, he said, was fully supported by BN members except members of DAP.
“From there we can see the sincerity of the government in looking into the welfare of rural folks as compared to DAP, who have made it clear that they are against our (government) idea to look after the welfare of the community in rural areas,” he added.
On another note, he said since holding office for 15 months, several changes had been made to the state government’s policies for the best interests of the people.
Among the changes made, he elaborated, were the halting of timber concession licences, reduction of electricity tariffs and the demand for increase in oil and gas royalty from five to 20 per cent.
“Individuals who need to chop down trees to build houses or farms, they are still allowed to do so,” said Adenan, adding that Sarawak Forestry Corp had been informed of the matter.
He said fishermen found guilty of allowing foreigners to use their fishing licences would be blacklisted.
On another matter, he said palm oil licences would not be issued to foreign companies unless the plantation involves Native Customary Right (NCR) shareholders, Projek Mesra Rakyat, Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) or any other community based projects.
Later he presented some financial assistance to 22 pilgrims who will be performing the Haj.
Others present at the event included his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, State Legislative Assembly speaker Datuk Amar Asfia Awang Nassar and wife Datin Amar Fatimah Iskandar, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and wife Datin Amar Doreen Lee Mei Hua, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim, Beting Maro assemblyman Dr Razaili Gapor, Betong Resident Datu Romie Sigan Daniel and heads of various departments.- Borneo Post
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