Bentong: The agricultural sector in Bentong, the western Pahang district known for its agricultural produce like durian and ginger, will be strengthened with several technology-based programmes to improve operational efficiency and further increase crop yields. Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo announced that these programmes, expected to be introduced soon, would be implemented by his ministry in collaboration with Digital National Berhad (DNB) and the Bentong Member of Parliament’s Office.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gobind Singh Deo stated that his ministry had identified products at the Proof of Concept (POC) stage to assist industry players in utilising technology in the agriculture sector. He mentioned that for planting programmes and others, industry participants would be invited to learn about the technology and how to access it. This announcement was made during the launch of Jelajah Digital: 5G Enabled Agritech at the Bentong Municipal Council Hall. The event was also attended by Bentong MP oung Syefura Othman and DNB chief executive officer Datuk Azman Ismail.

Earlier, Gobind highlighted the 5G network coverage progress in Pahang, noting that it had reached 66.4 per cent coverage of populated areas (CoPA) and 72.3 per cent in Bentong as of January. He also pointed out that Pahang is on track to benefit from changes in the automotive market, which could lead to economic prosperity for the region. Gobind expressed confidence in the state’s potential to become an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and assembly hub on the East Coast.

Additionally, Gobind announced that Bentong district has been selected as the pioneer area for constructing the first charging station in Pahang, with a total of 50 stations planned statewide.