Sabah can lead in push for ‘slow food'
Published on: Sun, Aug 03, 2025
By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Arthur (4th right) and others after officiating the pre-launch of HPPNK 2025. Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has the potential to take the lead in driving Malaysia's slow food movement and sustainable agriculture, said Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. Speaking at the soft launch of the 'Slow Food' concept held in conjunction with Hari Peladang, Penternak dan Nelayan Kebangsaan (HPPNK) on Friday, he said the 'slow food' idea, although new in terminology to many, is already deeply rooted in Sabah's way of life — particularly in rural communities where food is still grown and consumed locally. 'In Sabah, you go to the rural areas — we still eat rice that was planted by the same village we come from. We eat fish and vegetables that were grown in our own backyards. Less than a 10km radius,' Arthur said at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Arthur explained that the concept promotes more than just healthy eating — it represents a return to nutritional value, local produce, and self-reliant food systems. 'We may understand the perception that fast food, although cheap, often involves processed meals and is less healthy. 'Slow food, on the other hand, champions nutritious, valuable meals sourced locally. If we look at the lifestyle that has long been practised — especially in villages — this concept actually existed since the time of our ancestors. 'However, with industrialisation, urbanisation, and the need to live at a faster pace, we may have sacrificed healthier eating and living habits. This concept fights to restore that. So, as the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, we fully support this agenda,' he said. Arthur raised the organisers, Opulence Exhibition Services and MyFood, for choosing Kota Kinabalu as the launch venue. 'First of all, I'd like to send a huge congratulations to Opulence for their success for having this soft launching which we are witnessing today,' he said. 'We thank Opulence once again for choosing HPPNK as the location for this soft launch, and we look forward to joining you at KLCC in May 2026.' Arthur also reflected on the lessons from the Covid-19 lockdowns, where many urban Malaysians were confined to small flats, unable to access fresh air or food. This sparked a renewed appreciation for rural life and traditional food systems. 'People began to realise it wasn't so bad living in their home after all. If they had stayed, they could still fish, pluck durians, or grow vegetables. That mindset shift is what we now want to support and sustain,' he said. He warned that Malaysia's heavy dependence on food imports — including more than 40 per cent of its rice — is unsustainable. 'During Covid, neighbouring countries stopped exporting rice to us. That was a wake-up call. We cannot continue relying on food imports,' he said. In 2023 alone, Malaysia recorded a RM40 billion agro-food trade deficit, importing RM93 billion worth of food and exporting only RM54 billion. 'Food security is a shared responsibility — and we need everyone, including the private sector, to come together,' he stressed. He added that under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13), RM29 million had been allocated to the agency Parma to carry out 'Rantai' — a national programme to improve supply chain efficiency from planting to marketing and export. 'With the right technology and innovation, we can go beyond the 10km radius. Who knows, maybe our friends in Peninsular Malaysia can soon enjoy Sabah's avocados, tarap and more,' he said. My Food 2026, is Malaysia's most prestigious and sustainability driven food and beverage (F&B) exhibition, was officially pre-launched. The launching would take place at on May 7 to 9, 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), concurrently with the International Cafe and Beverage Show 2026 (ICBS 2026). The pre-launch also marked the opening of participation to food entrepreneurs, local producers, agropreneurs, the slow food community, and food innovators from across the country, particularly from Sabah and Sarawak. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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