TAWAU: Parti Warisan candidate in the recent Sabah election, Frank Salazar (pic), proposed an agricultural-based economic development project centred on coconut cultivation to improve living standards for residents if voters give him the mandate to represent Balung.
The plan draws on his background as a key player in Sabah’s agricultural sector, having worked with government-linked companies on oil palm plantations and timber operations.
“Agriculture is my passion, so I will use my experience, expertise and knowledge to help the Balung community,” he said.
Frank said his focus extends beyond encouraging the more than 70 per cent of Balung residents involved in farming to grow coconuts on a large scale, he wants to develop it into an export industry.
As an agriculture sector veteran, he is optimistic about coconut cultivation’s potential, especially using modern technology and methods including fertigation and selecting seedlings suited to Balung’s weather and terrain.
On persistent infrastructure issues like water and electricity supply and road facilities, he acknowledged these basic service challenges disrupt residents’ daily routines and economic activities.
“Although I previously stood for another party, at Warisan I am one of the sponsors in Tawau and this is my first time being fielded as a candidate for this party,” he said.
Salazar obtained 3,372 votes in the election, second only to Syed Ahmad Syed Abbas of GRS who got 4,717.
