Azlan Othman
Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) officers and staff make site visits every Saturday to check problems affecting farmers and hear their grievances.
This was said by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin at the 19th Legislative Council (LegCo) session yesterday.
He was responding to LegCo member Yang Berhormat Pengiran Haji Isa bin Pengiran Haji Aliuddin’s query on local farmers’ complaints regarding inadequate infrastructures such as the lack of water and electricity supply, drainage and land lots.
The minister said the issues raised will be addressed as it is the government’s mission to facilitate and assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), farmers and fishermen to grow their businesses, adding that without them, the nation’s economy will not grow and face unemployment issues.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf said the import or chicken is to supplement the local food processing industry as there is an increase in demand and export markets.
The minister said there are currently two projects to grow grass for PDS Abattoir Sdn Bhd (PDS) cattle feedlot. One is at PDS farm and another in the Belait District with a bigger area.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf said there is a workshop under the Forestry Department to aid home-based kayu gaharu, or agarwood, businesses flourish while Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) also holds boot camps to help in business planning.
The minister said the suggestion to use the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge for Iron Man or triathlon competitions may be discussed with the Ministry of Development and Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
