YB claims ‘empty planning’ on food security
Published on: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
By: Wu Vui Tek
Daud perceives the State Government’s efforts to strengthen food security as mere “empty planning” without transparent implementation.
BONGAWAN Assemblyman Dr Daud Yusuf perceives the State Government’s efforts to strengthen food security as mere “empty planning” without transparent implementation.
“I would like to inquire about the progress of the rice planting project in Beluran and Pitas. What percentage of self-sufficiency level (SSL) has been achieved so far?
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“As I have previously emphasised, the State Government should revitalise abandoned paddy fields throughout Sabah as a primary step to increase our rice SSL,” he said when debating the Government’s policy speech.
He noted that there are hundreds of thousands of acres of paddy in Kota Belud, Penampang, Papar, Bongawan and Membakut, which used to be active with rice crops but are now abandoned.
“Efforts are needed to revive all these areas. If all these problems are addressed, we will be able to improve our food security and achieve a self-sufficiency level of more than 35 per cent by the year 2025,” he asserted.
Dr Daud also questioned the role of the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA), established to empower rice cultivation in Kota Belud.
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He pointed out that the Government has overlooked the lucrative bird’s nest industry, citing that during the Warisan government, RM7 million was allocated for constructing swiftlet houses to develop the industry.
“The bird’s nest industry has significant demand, especially from China, and Sabah produces the best bird’s nest in Malaysia,” he said.
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“I hope the State Government does not overlook the potential of the bird’s nest industry, which involves not only products from Madai caves in Kunak and Gomantong in Sukau but also bird’s nest houses owned by local entrepreneurs,” he said.
He also called on the Government to address complaints from tour operators regarding the low payment of RM35 per head, which does not commensurate with the rising costs and expenses for tourism infrastructure services, especially in Bongawan.
“These services include taking tourists to see proboscis monkeys and fireflies, as well as offering food and afternoon tea packages.
“I hope the Tourism Ministry under Minister Datuk Christina Liew will address this issue by engaging with all tour operators to ensure fairer payment,” he added.
Dr Daud also urged the Government to resolve jurisdictional issues between the Membakut and Papar District Offices regarding the distribution of water during the ongoing drought to the community in the Bongawan constituency.
“The unclear jurisdiction has impacted the distribution of water to Kampung Kabang and Lingan, as well as Kampung Mandahan, which is near Papar but located in the Membakut district,” he said, adding the Government needs to address poor internet coverage in Bongawan.
Additionally, he suggested that the State Government engage with Petronas and Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) to establish a downstream industry in Bongawan to improve the local economy.
“My suggestions include creating downstream products based on oil and gas, such as vehicle lubricating oil products, cooking gas and other related items, in alignment with the existence of SOGT,” he proposed.
Dr Daud also expressed support for government initiatives to cultivate STEM and programmes aimed at assisting the B40 group, such as Budi, Baik, Bakti, Bisbah and Bantu.
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