SEBUYAU: The Sarawak government, in collaboration with University of Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), will continue to develop activities for planting new species of coconut in the Sebuyau area.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, stated that the increase in activities for planting new species of coconut would create more downstream economic opportunities, especially for entrepreneurs.
"Coconut fruit is not only desired for its water and flesh, but all components such as the husk and coconut leaves have their uses.
"We can process coconut tree leaves into fertilizer, and from coconut husks, we can make chairs.
"So, we can create side industries from coconut planting, in addition to selling its fruit," he explained.
He said this during his speech at the Sebuyau District Aidilfitri Gathering 2024 on Saturday.
Sarawak Premier added that to initiate this work, all existing coconut trees in the Sebuyau area would be felled and replaced with the planting of new species of coconut, which would involve a fund of RM35 million in cooperation with UNIMAS.
"So, I have proposed this idea to Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi to discuss with the villagers to cut down all existing coconut trees.
"We will collaborate with experts from UNIMAS to conduct a study where UNIMAS intends to provide RM35 million, and I have directed for this project to proceed," he added.
To ensure the success of this project, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari emphasised that this coconut planting would use a modern approach, as has been done by other countries such as the Philippines and Thailand, which have proven successful.
Also present at the gathering were the Governor of Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, Sarawak's Minister of Utility and Telecommunication cum Sebuyau Assemblyman Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, Sarawak's Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Lipin Lamat, Member of Parliament for Batang Lupar Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Simunjan Assemblyman Awla Dris, Beting Maro Assemblyman Razaili Gapor, and other invited guests. -UKASnews
