3 days ago
Sarawak Public Accounts Committee assesses publicly funded Bario rice initiative
Razaili (fourth right) and PAC Sarawak members attend a briefing at the Bario Sub-District Office.
KUCHING (Aug 8): The Sarawak Public Accounts Committee (PAC) visited the Bario Rice Industry Development Project site on Aug 6-7 to assess the implementation of the publicly funded initiative.
PAC Sarawak chairman Razaili Gapor said the visit was part of the committee's ongoing efforts to examine how public funds are utilised and to strengthen accountability through effective checks and balances.
He noted that the project, spearheaded by the Sarawak Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Sarawak, is crucial in addressing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.
'This project not only supports food security and agricultural sustainability, but also has a direct impact on the rural economy, especially for the communities in Sarawak's interior,' he said in a statement.
Razaili (left) and PAC Sarawak members inspect the project site.
Razaili added that the committee was also guided by findings of the National Audit Department report, and sought to ensure transparency and effectiveness in the project's implementation for the benefit of local communities.
During the visit, the PAC delegation attended a dinner with the Bario community hosted by Deputy Minister in the Premier's Office (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala.
Also in the delegation were Kabong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Chee Kadir, Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang, Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, Sarawak Agriculture Department deputy director (development) Gilbert Igi, and PAC Sarawak secretary Nur Azhar Bujang.
