BETONG: A short take-off and landing airport (STOLport) will be built in Bebuling, Spaoh near here, within five years.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg said that the airport’s construction will cost the state government an estimated RM108 million.
The Department of Civil Aviation, he said, will need time to make necessary arrangements for the airport to be operational.
He said this at a town hall session with the theme "Today For Tomorrow" with over 1,200 youths from the division at the Stephen Kaling Ningkan Hall here, yesterday.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Assistant Youth and Sport Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat; and Petra Jaya MP Datuk Fadiilah Yusof were among those present.
Sri Aman, Betong and parts of Sarikei have huge potential in agriculture and are being transformed by the government into a state food basket region.
Therefore, the airport would be a logistical necessity for fresh farm products to reach markets.
"But, we must approach the food basket development (proposal) along with modern agriculture using, for example, the Internet of Things (IoT), the fertigation system and others.
“Besides, modern agriculture is the base to strengthen our economy. We have the comparative advantage as we have plenty of land," he said.
Sarawak plans to set up more agro-parks to assist landless farmers; create more collecting, processing and packaging centres (CPPC); and provide relevant training to youth.
"We are now developing new agro-parks in Mukah, Sri Aman and Betong.
“We also want our people, especially the youth, to go into the sector.
“Hence, we will use the new approach within the next two years.
"We have clear policies to help them, but existing farmers must be prepared to accept modern technology," he added.
Abang Johari said Agriculture Modernisation, Native land and Regional Development Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah has been trying to convince the people that the agriculture sector can generate good income, with the state aiming to be an exporter of food and food products by 2030.
In order to open up new areas for agriculture and to reach out to new markets, the Chief Minister said, the state government must improve road networks.
"This is why we want to build the coastal trunk road in addition to the Pan Borneo Highway," he added.