KUCHING: The Sri Aman Development Agency (SADA) should focus on developing agricultural and tourism industries in the division, which can stimulate positive economic growth and create more job opportunities.
Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Openg said the agency could look into padi and fruit cultivations suitable for the area which is home to vast lands, as well as other ecotourism-related products or activities.
He said Sri Aman had the potential for large-scale farming or agricultural activities that could support Sarawak to achieve its target to become a net food exporter by 2030.
"Besides, we have developed the Pan Borneo Highway, coastal road network and the construction of the Batang Lupar Bridge, connecting the division to other parts of Sarawak.
"We will continue to develop more basic infrastructures, such as water and electricity supply, roads as well as other digital infrastructures," he said at the launch of SADA in Sri Aman today.
Abang Johari said SADA was established to promote the socio-economic development of the people in Sri Aman division.
He said the state was also committed to provide human capital and talent development in the area.
Meanwhile, SADA chairman Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the agency had approved 48 development projects, worth RM1.18 billion, using the allocation from the alternative funding approved for SADA.
She said priorities would be given to infrastructure development projects to connect the 'hard-to-reach' areas, which can create more new potentials for Sri Aman division.
"We are expected to implement these projects starting next year," she said.
Rohani said Lubok Antu also had great potential to be one of the main gateways to neighbouring countries, especially following Indonesia's plan to move its capital from the megacity Jakarta to Kalimantan.
"We are confident it would have a huge impact in terms of economic development not only to Sri Aman, but to the whole of Sarawak. Therefore, SADA is committed to promote and transform Lubok Antu border town as a tourist attraction and destination," she said.
Rohani, who is also Batang Lupar member of parliament, said Gunung Lesong, Banting, Seduku dan Batang Ai would be developed into community-based ecotourism spots or hubs.
Meanwhile, other areas in the division such as Lingga, Pantu, Lachau dan Simanggang have great potential to be developed as food production hubs.
"We are committed to ensure a balanced development progress in every part of Sri Aman," she added.