16/08/2013 (Bernama) - The Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (Salcra) has identified 22 new areas, involving 61,000 hectares throughout the state for the setting up of oil palm estates, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Alfred Jabu said today.

Jabu, who is also Salcra chairman, said about 20,000 participants would be involved in the earmarked areas, which includes Simunjan, Balingian, Sekuau in Sibu, Sg Baoh in Dalat and Apoh in Baram, Miri.

The move is part of Salcra's expansion programme to eradicate poverty through rural development.

"Salcra at present is in the process of liaising with the state Land and Survey Department on the land status of the new areas identified," he told reporters here today.

He was speaking after officiating the opening of the fifth Salcra Plantation Development Committee Members conference.

Jabu, who is also state Modernisation of Agriculture Minister and Rural Development Minister, said the existing 19 estates which covered 30,000 hectares, had succeeded in lifting about 17,543 landowners out of the poverty trap so far.

Salcra, which reported total revenue of RM166.35 million last year, paid out net proceeds of RM101 million to landowners, compared to RM608.01 million between 1985-2012.

Jabu said a Salcra training centre located on a 40-hectare site in Bajo, near Siar beach, Lundu, near here, would be set up soon to cater for human resource development and skill upgrading, while also opening its doors to other government agencies.

The project, which requires a 24-month construction period, is expected to be implemented once cost quotation and the tender has been approved.