Shafizan cuts the ribbon to officiate the bridge, road, and Women's Bureau building of Rumah Florence, observed by Tuai Rumah Florence (third from right).
25 May 2024
SRI AMAN: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) Malaysia has completed two projects with a total cost of RM110 million under the 11th Malaysia Plan allocation for the development of a 1,500-hectare paddy granary covering the areas of Bijat, Stumbin, Gran, and Entulang in Lingga.
Batang Lupar Member of Parliament, Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, said that an additional RM153.6 million has been allocated for the development of irrigation and drainage infrastructure in the Lingga/Banting Paddy Granary Scheme, which is expected to be completed by 2026.
“Thank God, I was informed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Malaysia about this matter during the last Parliamentary session, and this is another agricultural development project in the Stumbin Lingga area,” he said.
He stated this during his speech at the Ramah Mesra Mantar Gawai Dayak event and Leaders with People of Batang Lupar Parliament and Lingga State Legislative Assembly (DUN) at Rumah Florence, Stumbin, near here on Friday.
Shafizan added that KPKM is also in the process of implementing construction and upgrading infrastructure projects in Stumbin with an estimated cost of RM19 million, expected to be completed by 2027.
“The Sarawak Government and the Federal Government will continue to collaborate on various initiatives to develop agricultural infrastructure in the Stumbin area, which is part of the Batang Lupar Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA).
“My great hope is to see the Stumbin area developed as the main paddy granary area in the Sarawak Region to increase local rice production and improve the socio-economy of the local community in this area,” he explained.
Touching on the Gawai Dayak celebration, Shafizan is confident that the Dayak community is busy preparing for the Gawai Dayak celebration on June 1.
“I am proud to see the Gawai Dayak celebration in Sarawak, including in the Batang Lupar Parliamentary area, which is still celebrated with great enthusiasm and tradition,” he added.
Speaking about culture and tradition, he hopes that the village chiefs will organize cultural activities such as ngajat dance, traditional cake making, and handicraft competitions in their respective areas.
“This is important so that the unique culture and traditions of the Iban community in this area can be passed on to the younger generation,” he added.
At the event, Shafizan allocated a grant of RM10,000 to the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Rumah Florence to finance activities throughout the year.
