RM1 million for Sook pineapple venture
Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025
By: Marutin Ansiung Text Size: Arthur during the groundbreaking of LKTNS pineapple project in Sinua. SOOK: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has allocated RM1 million to support a pineapple cultivation project aimed at improving the rural economy in Sabah's interior, particularly in areas where agriculture remains the main source of livelihood. Its Deputy Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the allocation is channelled through the Land Utilisation Optimisation Programme in collaboration with the State Government to the Sabah Land Development Board (LKTNS) to kickstart the MD2 pineapple project.
Advertisement 'This is part of our ministry's initiative to focus on high-value agricultural sectors such as MD2 pineapple cultivation,' said Arthur, who is also Pensiangan MP, when officiating the groundbreaking ceremony of the LKTNS MD2 Pineapple Project in Sinua, last Friday. He said while the area was initially developed for oil palm, not all of the land was suitable for that crop. 'Therefore, I support LKTNS's initiative to optimise land use with crops like pineapple that can improve people's income,' he said. The first phase of the project will cover six hectares and involve the planting of 250,000 pineapple suckers, expected to benefit 695 participants in the area. The participants are expected to harvest their first crop in 12 to 15 months. Arthur said the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) is also involved to explore collaboration opportunities and potentially develop a pineapple-based industry in the area. He said the project would not only contribute to national pineapple output but also create job opportunities, generate income for smallholders and drive rural economic growth. Also present were LKTNS General Manager Datuk Syaheddrul R. Joddari, LPNM Chairman Tuan Haji Sheikh 'Umar Bagharib bin Ali, LPNM Director-General Mohd Khairuzamri M. Salleh and senior officials from LPNM and LKTNS. Earlier, Arthur launched a basic MD2 pineapple planting briefing for the Kampung Sakikilo community in Sook through an initiative by the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK), benefiting 42 families. At the event, 5,000 pineapple suckers, more than 300kg of fertiliser, and a mini tiller machine were handed over to kickstart the community project. LPNM will provide technical expertise and monitor the project together with PPK Sook to help increase the community's income. Arthur also revealed plans to establish a pineapple industry in Sook as a new economic sector for the interior region of Sabah, in collaboration with LPNM and the Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP). 'We chose pineapple because of its strong market potential and opportunities in downstream processing. It is also well-suited to be grown in this region,' he said. He stressed the need for structured, organised and group-based cultivation to reach an industrial scale. Meanwhile, the Road to Hari Peladang, Penternak dan Nelayan Kebangsaan (HPPNK) 2025 Series 2 @ Sook drew more than 10,000 visitors and featured 98 local entrepreneurs along with 14 agencies and strategic partners during the three-day event at the Food Court Parking Area here. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the event was one of the largest ever held in the interior of Sabah. Held under the theme 'Kudrat Kami Menjamin Pertiwi' (Our Strength Secures the Nation), the programme showcased 15 main segments, including Agro Millenia, Youth Clinics, E-Games, Agricultural Technology, Robotics & IoT, and exhibitions and sales under the Agro Madani initiative, in addition to livestock, fisheries and paddy segments. 'The Road to HPPNK aims to recognise the vital contributions of farmers, breeders and fishermen in ensuring the country's food security, while also encouraging youth involvement in the agro-food sector,' he said after officiating the event. Arthur, who is also Pensiangan MP, said among the highlights were the sale of 3,000 packs of rice at RM26 each, 2,000kg of fresh chicken, and 1,000kg of fresh vegetables brought directly from farms. There was also a fruit fiesta featuring 8,000kg of local produce such as pomelo, bambangan and tarap, along with the distribution of 1,000 fruit and flower seedlings to visitors. 'The total sales target for this event is estimated at RM200,000, reflecting the strong market potential of rural-based products and their impact on local agropreneurs,' he said. The event also saw the presentation of mock cheques to recipients of Small Farm Machinery Ownership Grants from PPK Tenom, Kuala Penyu and Beaufort, Agropreneur Muda Scale-Up Grants under KPKM, and Fama Sabah 2025 Agrobazaar Grants. Arthur said the ministry, through its agency Fama, believes that such programmes not only narrow the rural-urban gap in market access and technology but also reinvigorate Sabah's farming communities. * 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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