KOTA KINABALU, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- A total of 40 villages in the Pagalungan area of Nabawan have received fruit tree saplings to boost local agricultural activities, in line with the Greening Malaysia programme.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the contribution, comprising durian, jackfruit and rambutan saplings, was distributed during the launch of a public awareness programme held in conjunction with the greening campaign at Pekan Pagalungan today.
“The Pensiangan parliamentary constituency is unique and special, as about 85 per cent of our area is covered by forests, making us a major contributor to efforts to balance climate change.
“I want the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency to serve as an example to the country in balancing the need for infrastructure development with the responsibility of preserving environmental sustainability,” he said in a post on his Facebook page today.
Arthur said the distribution of fruit tree saplings was aimed at generating economic opportunities for rural communities and sustainably increasing the income of rural residents.
He said development in Sapulut, Pagalungan and Pensiangan was gaining momentum through the completion of road upgrading projects leading to Pekan Pensiangan, as well as the construction of the Sapulut coffee factory.
The local retail sector has also benefited from the upgrading of the tamu (traditional market) and public market buildings, providing better facilities for small traders in the interior areas.
He said improved road connectivity had made logistics and transportation easier for residents, facilitated the implementation of community programmes and opened up new economic opportunities.
To strengthen efforts to preserve the country's natural heritage, several government departments and agencies involved in the forestry sector also briefed the community on environmental management throughout the programme.
At the event, Arthur also distributed more than 100 food baskets to those in need to help ease the cost of living for vulnerable families.
-- BERNAMA