Kapit: The Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) will strengthen collaboration with higher education institutions, development agencies, and local communities to build a rural economy driven by innovation, technology, and high-value products. Its chairman, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, emphasized that rural economic development can no longer rely solely on the production of raw commodities. Instead, it must focus on creating value chains that enable communities to adopt technology and access broader markets.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the success of the High Impact Community Projects (HICP) has been a testament to this approach, with participants' average income increasing by more than 25 percent. This demonstrates that investments in research, innovation, and knowledge transfer can lead to tangible improvements in livelihoods. "Universities are not merely centers of research but strategic partners in developing community economies," Nanta stated. He highlighted the role of aligned research, supported by the government and implementing agencies, in transforming laboratory innovation into economic opportunities capable of transforming lives.
The statement was issued following a visit by a joint delegation from URDA and the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) to the Advanced National Honey Landmark (AnNaHL) Translational Centre at Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) Health Campus in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Nanta, who is also the Kapit Member of Parliament and Works Minister, emphasized the importance of prioritizing community capacity building through knowledge, skills, technology, and market access to enable sustainable income generation.
Several locations within the Kapit parliamentary constituency have been selected for high-impact community projects. These include stingless bee (kelulut) honey projects in Melatai Selirik and Kampung Tatai Mas Raweng, an integrated livestock farming project in Nanga Yong, and the construction of the Upper Rajang Honey Processing and Marketing Centre in Song. According to Nanta, the center will serve as a hub for processing, marketing, training, and development of the kelulut honey industry in Kapit, further strengthening the area's rural economy.