Agropolitan projects to improve livelihood

LINGGA: Five agropolitan projects worth RM84.7 million will improve the people’s livelihood and change the landscape of the state soon.

Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the the five projects are in Sadong Jaya, Batang Lupar (Seduku), Pulau Bruit, Bukit Sadok and Rajang (RASCOM area).

He said as many as 2,645 participants and 10,900 hectares of lands are involved in those five projects.

“The cost of RM84.7 million covers not only the implementation of the agriculture projects and the costs of building the houses but are also for building important facilities in those areas,” he said, while officiating at the Seduku Agropolitan project in Batang Lupar at Kampung Baru Pulau Seduku, Lingga yesterday.On Seduku Agropolitan project , Shafie said almost 95 per cent of it is completed especially the housing for the participants, roads and electricity supply.

“Beginning next February, residents of Kampung Baru Pulau Seduku will be able to enjoy clean water supply. This follows the implementation of water supply projects Stumbin – Seduku – Lingga (phase 1) that cost RM7.8 million,” he said.

In addition, the ministry also approved an allocation of RM85,000 to Kampung Baru Pulau Seduku residents to purchase nets for the purpose of fishing in Batang Lupar river.

He said the Kampung
Baru Pulau Seduku residents will receive income between RM1,000 RM1,500 per month in the palm oil and rubber plantation through the Ladang Mesra project.

There will also be additional income from dividends of palm oil and rubber 4 times yearly.

Also present at the ceremony were Lingga assemblywoman Simoi Peri, Rural and Regional Development Ministry’s deputy secretary general Datuk Yusof Doha, FELCRA chief executive officer Juzilman Basir and Sri Aman Resident Abdul Rahman Sebli Sanusi.