Work with private firms, land owners are urged
Published on: Monday, March 18, 2019
By: Jeremy Sherween Zabala
PAPAR: Owners of idle lands are urged to collaborate with private companies so as to generate income and contribute to the State’s economy.
State Law and Native Affairs Minister Datuk Aidi Moktar said there are companies willing to rent unused lands to generate income by carrying out agricultural activities which the landowners, particularly in Papar should take advantage of to uplift their livelihood.
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He said this initiative by private sectors who are willing to rent under utilised lands especially in the rural areas and use them to carry out large scale plantations such as Musang King Durian could give lucrative incomes for both landowners as well as the State.
“This is a step to move forward where the company has taken the chances with rural folks to carry out agricultural activities as well as identifying the lands that are suitable for Musang King Durian plantations.
“I am confident that one day, maybe in 10 years’ time, Papar will be among biggest districts in Sabah as Musang King Durian manufacturers.”
“Hopefully the rural folks will give their cooperation and let the private sectors help them,” he told reporters after the land breaking ceremony for the Musang King Durian Plantation Farm by Neways Century (NWC) Sdn Bhd at Kg Kelatuan, here, Sunday.
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The Pantai Manis Assemblyman also said that the agricultural activities that could be done in the district is another way of promoting agro tourism, not only in Sabah itself but also globally especially with the agricultural demands that are increasing.
Aside from agriculture, resorts could also be established which would make the district well-known to tourists, local and international, in which these places (resorts) would also be income generators for local folks as there would be various job opportunities.
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“What is important is when these agro tourism sectors are established it will be able to produce job opportunities.
“I am confident that the youths in the area (Kampung Kelatuan) will have more chances,” he added.
For the durian plantation, Aidi said that the 20 acre land will be filled with “King of fruits” trees that will be planted through an environmental friendly procedure as there will be no usage of chemical fertilizers.
He commended the methods of using such fertilizers as it would not only produce organic and healthy fruits but also ensure that the land and its surrounding has a preserved fertile quality.
Meanwhile, NWC Managing Director Shahril Azmir Shariff said some 400 trees will be planted on the land at the village and expects to carry out harvesting in five years’ time.
He said the decision of choosing Musang King durian was due to the high demand and with the initiative of establishing the farm, those demands can be met.
Shahril also said that with a large area, workforce will also be highly required and this would help open more job vacancies for the folks nearby.
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