Abang Jo has vision to make Kapit as biodiversity research centre

Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has a vision to make Kapit Division as a centre for international biodiversity research.

He said the division has plenty of biodiversity resources that could be used to make medicines or other biotechnology products.

"We can bring in researchers to study our trees, our leaves, our biodiversity resources," he said when at the meet-the-people dinner function at Kapit Civic Centre last night.

He said it was his vision and the vision of the local people''s representatives as it would be most valuable to the division in the future apart from other economic development such as tourism.

It would become the task of the newly formed Ulu Rajang Development Agency chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing to make it happen by ensuring the implementation of infrastructure development in the division, which included information and communication technology, run smoothly, he said.

With good internet connectivity, Abang Johari said the scientists would be able to communicate with their universities in real time and that would help Kapit to market its biodiversity produces worldwide.

"That is why I allocated RM1 billion for the upgrading of our internet connectivity," he said.

At the function, he also announced the approval of fund allocation amounting to RM73.9 million for Kapit Division.

The allocation is for the construction of the 10-km Nanga Menuan Road (RM12 million); construction of 10-km Nanga Ibau/Ulu Sungai Ibau Road (RM12 million); reconstruction of Merit sub district office (RM5 million); SJK Min Tak (RM2 million); SJK Hok Lam (RM500,000); SJK Hock Hua (RM100,000); Kapit new Iban Methodist Church (RM5 million); Kwang Tung Association, Foochow Association and Sarawak Dayak National Union cemeteries (RM2 million); and the construction of Kapit Hospital road (RM3.3 million).

A total of RM12 million was also allocated to beautify Lily Pond (Panggau Danau) and RM3 million to uplift the Kapit town centre; RM3 million and RM14 million respectively for the construction of Song and Belaga waterfront. - BERNAMA