SARATOK – The Kalaka state constituency is set to receive a significant economic boost with an allocation of RM6.7 million dedicated to enhancing its agricultural sector.
The funding, confirmed by Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri, will support multiple infrastructure projects aimed at directly benefiting hundreds of local residents.
Key initiatives include the construction of farm access roads in Tanjung Teras, Kupang, and Sungai Tali Paun, valued at RM1 million and RM2 million respectively.
A major portion of the allocation, RM2.8 million, has been designated for the establishment of a new rice mill in Kaba.
An additional RM900,000 will fund further garden road developments across the Kalaka region. These projects are financed through the Betong Divisional Development Agency (BDDA).
Officials state that the infrastructure improvements are designed to create new opportunities within the local food chain and agricultural product processing, ultimately increasing farmers’ income.
The rice mill, in particular, is viewed as a strategic investment to strengthen the local rice production ecosystem and reduce dependency on external processors.
In a related effort to support producers, the Betong Divisional Agriculture Office also announced the distribution of fertilizer for oil palm and pepper crops to 272 recipients in the area. This initiative is intended to help lower production costs and improve yields.