S'wak minister tells farmers, fisherfolk to not rely on govt subsidies

Farmers and fisherfolk need to change their mentality of relying too much on government subsidies, said Sarawak Agriculture Modernisation and Regional Development Minister Stephen Rundi Utom.

He said the assistance or incentives are more appropriate to be given to those who are just entering or starting a career in agriculture.

“If they continue to rely on subsidies, they will forever be dependent on assistance. That should not be the way forward for us.

“Initially, I had thought that we should provide assistance, but it cannot be forever whether you are a farmer or a fisherfolk,” he said in his speech at the Aco Lepa Ajau Birami Gawai recording by RTM last night.

Rundi said that he understood that the fisherfolk would not be able to go to the sea for a few months in a year because of the monsoon season, but they had to be prepared for that by thinking of other sources of income during the period.

“(If assistance is to be given) We have to find ways and means to make sure how the assistance can be effective,” he added.

- Bernama

Registration for ePemula aid for varsity students starts tomorrow

Hike in haj costs shouldn't be passed on to pilgrims - group

Govt to continue subsidising haj after 12pct cost hike

Govt studying targeted fuel and cooking oil subsidy – Tengku Zafrul

'Subsidies will help improve SOP enforcement at Ramadan bazaars'