KUCHING, Oct 7 — The state government is planning to build 48 agricultural substations which can be fully operational across the state by 2020.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang said six of the substations would be built in remote areas in Song, Kapit, Betong, Pulau Bruit and Ulu Baram.

"The constructions of the six agricultural substations are expected to be completed by early 2016," he told reporters after opening the 9th Convocation of Sarawak Agriculture Institute in Semenggok near here, today.

Jabu also expressed hope that the 48 substations would be fully operational by 2020 so that the agricultural development plan in the areas involved would be implemented in a more effective manner.

Advertisement

He said the cost to build each substation was between RM2.5 million and RM3.5 million, depending on the location.

As such, Jabu, who is also State Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, hoped that the 2015 Budget would also provide an allocation to enable deployment of agriculture officers to the substations.

"I also hope we'll get higher allocation to build at least 10 substations next year," he said.  — Bernama

Advertisement