Joachim: Welfare of rural folks assured
Published on: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Published on: Wed, May 21, 2025
By: Patimang Abdul Ghani Text Size: Dr Joachim with Hendrus and others at the event. KOTA MARUDU: The Sabah government remains committed to the welfare of rural communities, particularly paddy farmers and smallholders who are the backbone of the State's food supply, said Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam. He said various initiatives had been implemented in line with the second pillar of the Sabah Budget 2025 – inclusive and equitable development – to safeguard the interests of these groups while ensuring Sabah's food security. He said the State government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, greatly values the contributions of farmers and smallholders. 'Therefore, efforts to empower them are being intensified through targeted programmes,' he said when officiating the 2025 district-level Kaamatan Festival at the Kota Marudu Community Hall, recently. Dr Joachim, who is also Deputy President of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), said a key step includes increasing the Paddy Field Ploughing Incentive from RM18 million to RM26 million, benefiting 22,500 farmers annually with a subsidy of RM494 per hectare. 'In addition, the government is also implementing a recovery programme for 438 hectares of idle paddy fields in Papar, Tuaran, and Sook, which is expected to yield 2,190 metric tons of rice per season – enough to feed approximately 15,330 people,' he said.
Advertisement Efforts to strengthen the rice sector are further reinforced through the revival of the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board (LPBS). 'A total of RM32.5 million had been allocated for LPBS operations, including the purchase of 60 units of modern machinery and upgrading irrigation systems in six major rice-producing districts, including Kota Marudu. 'The initiative is expected to increase Sabah's rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) to 30pc by 2026,' Dr Joachim said. At the same time, he said the government has allocated RM7.49 million to the Sabah Agriculture Institute and Agricultural Vocational Training Centres to produce more semi-skilled labour in agriculture. 'All these initiatives are part of the State government's agenda to strengthen Sabah's food security, so we do not have to depend heavily on external supply and can rely on our own local resources,' he said. He added that this commitment by the State Government reflects its serious intent to empower the rural economy, reduce reliance on food imports and ensure a more sustainable future for the people of Sabah. Earlier, Dr Joachim also highlighted that the Kaamatan celebration symbolises unity and appreciation for the hard work of farming communities, who are the foundation of Sabah's culture and identity. 'Kaamatan is for everyone. It is not just an annual celebration, but a reflection of the values of gratitude, cooperation and respect for cultural heritage – values that should be passed down to future generations,' he said. Also present were Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry I cum Tandek Assemblyman, Datuk Hendrus Anding; Supreme Council Member of Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), Datuk Maijol Mahap; Political Secretary to the Chief Minister and Head of the PGRS Women's Movement, Datuk Redonah Bahanda; Kota Marudu District Officer and Chairperson of the Kaamatan Main Organising Committee, Meirin Sugara; and KDCA Central Committee Member and Chairperson of the Kaamatan Festival Executive Committee, Dr Christoper Mandut. * 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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