Deputy minister's visit to Sabah strengthens ties in agricommodity sector
From left: Saravana Kumar, Severinus Tukah, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor, Datuk Shahminan Sahari and Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
KOTA KINABALU (May 28): The strategic relationship between the Federal and Sabah State Governments received a fresh boost following a courtesy visit by Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor on Tuesday.
Held at the Chief Minister's Office in Menara Kinabalu here, the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in the agricommodity sector, a key pillar of Sabah's economy.
Chan said the visit was part of the ministry's ongoing effort to enhance collaboration with state governments, especially in agricommodity-producing regions.
'Sabah plays a crucial role in Malaysia's agricommodity landscape, especially as a major producer of crude palm oil (CPO) and cocoa,' he said.
During the discussion, several key issues were raised, including the need to increase the replanting rate among oil palm smallholders.
The deputy minister highlighted that efforts to streamline land ownership verification under state jurisdiction would help facilitate applications for the Oil Palm Smallholder Replanting Financing Scheme 2.0 (TSPKS 2.0).
'This will ensure that Sabah's palm oil industry remains competitive and sustainable in the long term,' Chan added.
Another critical issue discussed was the implementation of a digital registration system for foreign workers in Sabah's palm oil sector. The system is aimed at enhancing the management of labour resources more systematically and efficiently.
'Such initiatives require close cooperation and coordination between Federal and State agencies,' Chan said.
The ministry also conveyed its deep appreciation to Hajiji for his strong support of the Federal Government's efforts to advance the agricommodity sector in Sabah.
'The Sabah Government's commitment is instrumental in ensuring the continued development of this vital sector, which benefits both the state and the country,' said Chan.
He expressed confidence that closer cooperation would help boost the competitiveness of Sabah's agricommodity industry and bring greater economic returns to the people.
Joining the deputy minister were Senior Division Secretary of Palm Oil and Sago Industries (BISS) Severinus Tukah, and Division Secretary for Industry Innovation and Human Capital Development (PIMI) Saravana Kumar a/l Marimuthu.
Representing the Sabah State Government were Datuk Shahminan Sahari, Secretary for Home Affairs and Research, and Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Senior Private Secretary to the Chief Minister.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to sustained cooperation in support of Sabah's agricommodity aspirations.
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