29 February 2024
On Today Show
— Boyce Ngau Anyie, Vice Chairman Gerenai Community Right Action Committee (GCRAC) – Where are the PROFIT of logging all this time, why are they not used to build roads to the interior?
— Diog Dios, Chief Information of MPN PKR Sarawak – Emphasizing Edible Agriculture Development Over Destructive Palm Oil Land Use
— Jeffrery Ngui, chairperson of Muda Sarawak – Empowering B40 Traders: Promoting Economic Sustainability
Topik Pada Hari Ini
- Boyce Ngau Anyie, Naib Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tindakan Hak Komuniti Gerenai (GCRAC) - Di mana keuntungan dari aktiviti pembalakan sepanjang ini, mengapa mereka tidak digunakan untuk membina jalan ke pedalaman?
- Diog Dios, Ketua Maklumat MPN PKR Sarawak - Menekankan Pembangunan Pertanian yang Boleh Dimakan Berbanding Penggunaan Tanah Sawit yang Merosakkan
- Jeffrery Ngui, Pengerusi Muda Sarawak - Memberdayakan Pedagang B40: Mempromosikan Kelestarian Ekonomi
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*Special Randau*
1. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that any cabinet member involved in corruption and misuse of power will be fired.
2. The Prime Minister felt strange, when the MACC investigated and prosecuted the "Super Rich", the opposition is silent.
3. Who embezzled the forest concession area fund? Boyce Ngau Anyie urged the Sarawak state government to be transparent in handling the fund and use the money accumulated over the past 40 years to build roads to the interior and stop logging now.
4. The value of the ringgit will strengthen again in the second quarter of 2024. The ringgit is expected to stabilize at RM4.50 against 1 US dollar.
5. Two Members of Parliament (PN) are ready to vacate their seats, if the court finds that their actions in giving support to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is an offence.
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Boyce Ngau Anyie, Vice Chairman Gerenai Community Right Action Committee (GCRAC)
*Where are the PROFIT of logging all this time, why are they not used to build roads to the interior?*
In conjunction with the current school holidays, Boyce who is a retired teacher brought his family and grandchildren back to Long Selawan village in Ulu Baram.
What's sad is that many of the log roads have been damaged and are difficult to pass. The 200km journey takes seven hours to reach the village. Residents hire bulldozers to repair the road. The road is a log haulage road by the Samling company. Because Samling has not been operating in this area since a year ago, so the road has been damaged a lot.
Does this show that the rural population still needs Samling to return to logging? Not at all- said Boyce. This proves the failure of Samling and the government. The government told us that logging would bring progress. What progress have we made?
In 1985, the Sarawak government established the Forest Concession Area Fund to collect logging revenue to be used for the advancement of communities involved in logging areas. The question is, where will the revenue collected for the past 40 years be spent? Why is there no explanation and financial presentation of this fund and he doesn’t believe GPS will make a difference.
Logging should be stopped 100% because it has failed to bring progress to the rural population and it is the responsibility of the central and state governments to build roads and progress for the people in the interior. Boyce urge the state government to be transparent about the management of this Fund.
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Diog Dios, Chief Information of MPN PKR Sarawak
*Emphasizing Edible Agriculture Development Over Destructive Palm Oil Land Use*
Last week, Lord Jonathan Peter Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CEIC), commended Sarawak's commitment to the green economy. However, he emphasized the need for the state to enhance its food security measures. Despite Sarawak's achievements in energy security and youth employment, Marland believes that addressing food security is crucial.
In response to Marland's remarks, Diog Dios expressed concern over the Sarawak government's efforts regarding food security. He noted that while Sarawak has vast land suitable for agriculture, the government has focused more on promoting oil palm plantations rather than food agriculture. Dios emphasized that oil palm plantations do not contribute to food security, yet the government has not educated the public about this issue.
Dios further criticized the government for not providing sufficient training and resources to farmers, especially those in inland areas. He revealed instances where agricultural fertilizers, seemingly provided by the government, were significantly reduced in quantity by the time they reached farmers, suggesting corruption in the distribution process. He called for tighter controls and supervision in the distribution process.
In light of these concerns, it is imperative for the Sarawak government to study more effective and efficient methods for distributing agricultural assistance to ensure it reaches farmers. Additionally, the government should focus more on food safety and strengthen agriculture by providing comprehensive assistance to farmers, enabling them to modernize and increase productivity. Improving agricultural infrastructure and supporting farmers in establishing cooperatives and produce collection centers can also enhance food security and the livelihoods of farmers. These efforts, combined with enhanced training programs, can help modernize farming methods and ensure a secure future for Sarawak's agriculture sector.
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Jeffrery Ngui, chairperson of Muda Sarawak
*Empowering B40 Traders: Promoting Economic Sustainability*
As the fasting month approaches, concerns about the high costs during this period are mounting, particularly among Bazaar Ramadan traders, many of whom are from the B40 group. These traders rely on the season to earn extra income for Hari Raya, making it a crucial time for their livelihoods.
In Kuching, where there are 26 premises for Bazaar Ramadan, some traders operate from home to reduce costs, albeit while ensuring compliance with SOPs. However, more needs to be done to alleviate the financial burden on these traders, especially given the economic challenges faced by many during this time.
MUDA has put forward four recommendations for enforcement and local authorities to address these issues effectively:
1. Provide free space and permits: Offering free or subsidized rental spaces and permits can significantly reduce the financial strain on Bazaar Ramadan traders.
2. Subsidize local products: Supporting local products through campaigns and subsidies can make them more affordable for both traders and consumers, boosting sales and income.
3. Subsidize equipment and booths: Providing subsidies for essential equipment and booths can lower the barrier to entry for traders, enabling more individuals to participate in the Bazaar Ramadan.
4. Collaborate with food delivery companies: Partnering with food delivery companies, such as Ketek in Kuching, can help traders reach a broader customer base and increase sales.
It is crucial for the GPS government, to take these recommendations seriously and implement them effectively. By doing so, they can alleviate the financial burden on Bazaar Ramadan traders, support local businesses, and ensure a more prosperous Ramadan for all.
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