KUCHING: The Sarawak government has approved an allocation of RM500 million to construct irrigation schemes for paddy cultivation next year.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said that this allocation is for paddy planting areas in Sri Aman, Samarahan, and Kuching.

"This afternoon, we had a meeting and approved an allocation of RM500 million next year to create irrigation schemes in Sri Aman, Samarahan, and Kuching," he said. 

However, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added: "This does not include other potential areas such as Limbang and Lawas as well as small traditional farms by the community."

He made these remarks while speaking at the DCCI-KCCI Gawai Kaamatan Dinner here on Tuesday.

Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari added that he initially requested the allocation from the Federal Government but is still awaiting a response.

"When I mentioned that this area requires RM1 billion, the Minister said it was too much. Then I suggested we split it, with me providing RM500 million and you providing RM500 million. Until today, we are still waiting, but Sarawak has allocated RM500 million for this development," he said.

Present at the event were the Sarawak Premier’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Minister of National Unity, Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang, Minister of Works, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, President of the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Dato Allan Keripin Nangkai, and President of the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Datuk Ladislaus Maluda.-UKASnews