08/01/2014 (Bernama) - One hundred and twelve hardcore poor household heads in the Kuamut area have been selected to participate in a government oil palm cultivation programme.

Each participant would be alloted two hectares in the programme carried out with the cooperation of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.

State Youth and Sports assistant minister Masiung Banah said the endeavour initiated in 2008 had benefited residents in 22 villages in the Tongod district.

"It is a government transformation programme aimed at generating sustainable income for the hardcore poor community in Tongod and improve their economic status, besides capitalising on the viability of idle land," he said.

The Kuamut assemblyman said this while launching the ground breaking ceremony for the programme involving Kampung Namukon, Purutawoi, Bulod, Talibuk, Menanam, Mangkawagu, Simpang Entilibon, Karamuak and Minusuh, and Rayamas celebration in Tongod today.

Masiung said the people's support in the last election had enabled the government to proceed with its development agenda to enhance the livelihood of the people.