New Sabah Native Court law soon
Published on: Sat, May 03, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji pouring the harvested rice into the Lingkut to symbolise the launch of the Kaamatan Festival 2025. TAMBUNAN: The Sabah Native Court Enactment 1992 will be replaced with a new version to streamline the structure of the Native Court and strengthen the institution, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'This is to ensure that the Native Court is more effective and relevant,' he said. Hajiji said the Sabah Native Affairs Council has prepared a draft of the new enactment, the Sabah Native Court Enactment 2025, which is currently under review by the Local Government and Housing Ministry. 'This draft requires inputs from the State Attorney General's Office, the State Public Service Department and the Finance Ministry before it is submitted to the State Cabinet and subsequently tabled at the State Legislative Assembly,' he said. 'It is one of many initiatives the State Government is looking at to benefit people at the grassroots,' he said at the launching of the 2025 State-level Kaamatan Festival at the Pisompuruan Hall, here, on Thursday. The Chief Minister said the State Government, through the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi), remains committed to enhancing the Self Sufficiency Level (SSL) of agricultural produce to strengthen food security in Sabah. Sabah's current SSL is only 22.8 per cent and the State still relies on imported food, he said. For this reason, the Chief Minister said the State Government decided to revive the Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) last year and is now in the midst of developing approximately 22,146 hectares of abandoned padi fields in Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Keningau, Papar and Tambunan. 'This will certainly help Maffi's efforts to increase Sabah's food SSL to at least 30 per cent by 2026 and 60 per cent by 2030,' he added. Commenting on the Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution Programme (REPLB) launched on Wednesday (April 30), the Chief Minister said it aligns with the spirit of the Kaamatan Festival and signifies the State Government's deep concern for the low-income groups, particularly the poor and hardcore poor in the rural areas. This programme was launched as a strategic step to boost agricultural output to drive the economic growth of self-subsistent farmers. 'It is not only aimed at improving agricultural yields and food security in Sabah specifically and Malaysia generally but also elevating the economy of rural folks, empowering farmers, fishermen and agropreneurs so they can be self-reliant, innovative and be able to generate sustainable income. 'Through the use of modern technology, supply chain support systems and the opening of new market opportunities, this programme paves the way for rural communities to rise as key players in Sabah's economy,' he said. More importantly, Hajiji said the development of the rural economy also serves as a catalyst for unity and social stability. 'As income increases, job opportunities are created and young people return to their villages with knowledge and hope, hence the community will become stronger, united and prosperous. 'I hope this programme will assist farming communities, especially in the rural areas,' he said. The Chief Minister said the Kaamatan Festival celebration is among the important events for the people of Sabah, which not only aims to strengthen ties and unity among the diverse ethnic and religious groups but also serves to express gratitude for a good harvest. 'More than that, Kaamatan also reflects harmony and the spirit of goodwill among the people of Sabah, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani which emphasises human values, mutual respect and togetherness,' he said. The Chief Minister said the theme of this year's Kaamatan Festival - Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan - carries a significant and inclusive message. 'It emphasises that the Kaamatan Festival does not belong to just one community, but a shared celebration that embraces all citizens regardless of race, religion and background. 'Kaamatan is no longer just a harvest festival. It has become a symbol of unity among the people, a space for us to get to know and respect each other and celebrate each other's cultural uniqueness. 'This theme also reflects the State Government's commitment to unite the people of Sabah from all walks of life to celebrate our rich and diverse cultural heritage,' he said. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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