SERIAN: Six agriculture and farm road projects worth more than RM2.7 million have been completed in Bukit Semuja, strengthening connectivity for farmers across some parts of the constituency.
Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus said the projects were implemented by the state government through the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) initiative to improve access to agricultural areas.
He said the upgraded and newly constructed roads would enable growers to transport heavy agricultural produce, including palm oil, rubber and fruits, more efficiently to processing centres and buyers.
The completed projects comprise the upgrading of the agricultural road in the Nanga Triboh area, Kampung Triboh (RM423,510); Senaru area, Kampung Rasau (RM168,620); and Silir area, Kampung Rasau (RM168,450).
Also completed were the upgrading of agricultural roads in the Sungai Matuh and Sungai Sagu Matuh areas, Kampung Merian Bedup (RM622,410), and Sungai Busit Tapang Remangan area, Kampung Merian Bedup (RM425,473).
The list also includes the construction of a new agricultural road in the Manchu/Enturah area, Kampung Tebakang Melayu (RM544,129), and a new flexible pavement pedestrian walkway from the Kampung Sorak Dayak junction to the Kampung Koran Empaneg junction (RM416,810).
John said reliable farm roads were important not only for accessibility but also for reducing transportation costs and minimising post-harvest spoilage caused by delays in hauling produce.
“Better rural connectivity also encourages families to develop idle land, expand production and move from subsistence farming towards profitable modern agropreneurship,” he said.
Agriculture and farm roads remain central to the Bidayuh community’s livelihood, heritage and rural economy.
Farming provides food security and cash income through crops such as rice, pepper and rubber, while reliable farm roads connect remote plots to markets, processing facilities and buyers.
