LAWAS: The newly implemented Mini Service Centre Project in Ulu Merapok here is set to serve as a catalyst for rural community and economic development, under the Rural Transformation Project (RTP) that continues to bring tangible benefits to local residents.
According to Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, the area’s strategic location and fertile land offer vast potential for agricultural ventures, including fruit and vegetable cultivation and commercial paddy planting.
“I want to see the local community become actively involved in agricultural product processing to add value to what they produce,” he said during a visit to the project site last Monday.
Awang Tengah added that the state government also aims to attract private companies to assist local farmers with training, ICT adoption, and online marketing, enabling them to produce high-quality, competitive products.
He further encouraged residents to replace ageing durian trees with new crops such as bananas and vegetables, while adopting modern farming technology to boost yield and income.
“The state government will help identify companies that can collaborate in processing and marketing agricultural products,” he added. “Training workshops will also be organised to equip the community with new agricultural technologies.”
Furthermore, Awang Tengah underscored the importance of education and skills training as key foundations for improving the quality of life in rural areas.
He reaffirmed the state government’s continued commitment toward enhancing rural infrastructure, including the construction of farm access roads, new schools, and teachers’ quarters, all of which will support comprehensive development in Ulu Merapok and strengthen the well-being of rural communities.
