Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today announced aid of RM500 to be given to each rubber smallholder in Sarawak.
He said the aid, totaling RM37.3 million, was aimed at alleviating the burden of the smallholders who were affected by the drop in rubber prices.
Najib said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal would work closely with the Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Douglas Uggah and Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, who is also State Agriculture Modernisation and Rural Development Minister, to distribute the aid soon.
In his address to the people at Henri Nuni Longhouse here today, the prime minister also announced an allocation of RM1.5 million for the implementation of flood mitigation project, soil erosion prevention project and repair work on the longhouse.
Najib, who is on a two-day visit to Sarawak, arrived here at 3.20 pm and rushed to Ulu Sebauh, where approximately 5,000 residents had gathered at the longhouse, about 50 km from here, to welcome him.
Meanwhile, Najib said the Pan Borneo Expressway Project which he would launch tomorrow would open more doors for development and wellbeing for the people in Sarawak.
He said one of the major effects of the construction of the improved link was a possible drop in the prices of many items, especially in remote areas.
Besides, he said the people of Sarawak should not fall for the allegations spread by certain quarters that the Goods and Services Tax scheduled to be implemented next month would burden the general public.
With the implementation of GST, the country’s income would increase and hence, allocations for development in rural areas could be topped up, he said, while expressing hope for the people of Sarawak to stand united behind Barisan Nasional to ensure continuous development of the country. — Bernama