KUCHING – Farmers and fishermen need to change their mentality of relying too much on government subsidy, said Sarawak Agriculture Modernisation and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Stephen Rundi Utom.
He said the assistance or incentives are more appropriate for 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 fisherman,” he said in his speech at the Aco Lepa Ajau Birami Gawai recording by Radio Televisyen Malaysia here, last night.
Rundi said that he understood that the fishermen would not be able to go to the sea for a few months in a year because of the monsoon season, but stressed they have 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 the assistance can be effective,” he added. – Bernama, May 14, 2022
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