Sabah records highest agricultural holdings in Malaysia
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the agricultural holdings refer to the number of individuals or organisations engaged in the agricultural sector, with Sabah's interior zone, comprising the districts of Keningau, Sook, Nabawan, Tambunan and Tenom, accounting for 26 per cent of the state's total agricultural holdings.
"This number is expected to increase further given the vast potential of undeveloped agricultural land in the interior areas," he said when launching the Road to National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNK) 2025 Series 2 here today.
In response to this development, he said the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, through its various agencies, has stepped up efforts to boost the agricultural sector in the interior areas.
"These efforts include the establishment of the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK); setting up a coffee processing facility in Sapulut, Nabawan; restoring padi fields in Tulid; and cultivating taro and onions in Sook.
"We are also working to introduce high market-potential crops such as MD2 pineapples," he said.
Arthur said the federal government, together with the state government, remains committed to strengthening the agricultural sector through policy planning, technical support programmes and rural infrastructure investments to continuously enhance agri-food productivity.
"As the lead agency for agri-food marketing services in the country, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) plays a key role in strengthening the agri-food security chain by focusing on accessibility and affordability for consumers, supply availability, as well as usage stability and sustainability," he said.
He said that last year, Sabah Fama was allocated RM13.8 million for the implementation of 313 projects and programmes, benefiting over 29,000 entrepreneurs and contributing to sales worth RM83 million.
"With the upgrading of tamu (rural markets), strengthening of retail outlet networks, and strategic engagement with farmers and operators at the grassroots level, Fama is confident that Sabah can become one of the key pillars in the national food security agenda," he added.
Commenting on the Road to HPPNK 2025 programme, he said it serves as a platform to recognise the contributions and roles of farmers, breeders and fishermen in developing the national agri-food sector.
"HPPNK held here in Sook is our final series before the national-level HPPNK 2025, which is scheduled to take place from Aug 1 to 3 in Kota Kinabalu.
"This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 50 years of HPPNK.
"What makes it even more special is that the national-level HPPNK celebration returns to Sabah after 30 years.
"The last time Sabah hosted the event was in 1995," he said.
– Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- New Straits Times
PM wants priority on '5-season in two years' padi project in Kedah
JERLUN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and the Kedah government to act swiftly to ensure the success of the "Five Cultivation Seasons in Two Years Padi Planting" Initiative. Anwar said the initiative in the Muda region was close to his heart and required prompt execution and effective coordination to ensure more sustainable yields. "I call on the state government and the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to move quickly and work in a coordinated manner to realise this vital agenda," he said in a statement after a work visit to the infrastructure development site in Batu 7, Kampung Kemboja, here today. Present was Muda Agriculture Development Authority (Mada) chairman Datuk Dr Ismail Salleh, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Anwar expressed confidence that the government's efforts would catalyse a holistic reform of the country's padi and rice industry ecosystem, reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the national rice self-sufficiency level. "The Madani government listens to the voices of our farmers, understands their needs, and is committed to continuously empowering the sector through sustained support and various initiatives," he said. Anwar added this initiative reflects the government's compassion and determination to uplift farmers, who are the backbone of Malaysia's agri-food sector. In February, Anwar told Dewan Rakyat the government had approved RM1 billion for Mada to boost padi production in Kedah. According to Mada, the large-scale agricultural effort, implemented through a public-private partnership, integrates smart farming technologies to support higher productivity and long-term sustainability in the rice industry. "This initiative is a catalyst for reforming the national paddy and rice sector. By enabling five planting cycles within two years, we aim to boost self-sufficiency levels while enhancing the income of local farmers," it said in a statement. The development consisted of two main components. The first involves the construction and maintenance of 15 tertiary irrigation blocks. The second focuses on the rehabilitation of Pedu Dam under Phase One. The overall allocation for both components is estimated at RM1 billion.
Barnama
20 hours ago
- Barnama
Perlis FAMA Implementing 30 Agro MADANI Sales From This Month To March 2026
KANGAR, July 25 (Bernama) -- The Perlis Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) is implementing 30 Agro MADANI Sales across the state from this month (July) to March next year to help the people of Perlis obtain essential goods at reasonable prices. Its director, Mohd Anzara Azizan said the programme will be implemented in housing areas, government complexes as well as mosque compounds, in collaboration with Perlis Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs). In this regard, he said the implementation of the Agro MADANI Sales targeted a total sales value of RM450,000 with the involvement of 450 traders offering goods such as meat, chicken, fish, seafood and vegetables.
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Egg subsidy cut saves gov't RM135m over three months
KUALA LUMPUR: The government expects to save RM135 million over three months following the reduction in egg subsidies from 10 sen to five sen per egg, effective since May 1. The move precedes the complete removal of price controls on August 1. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the subsidy cut reduces government spending by RM45 million monthly. He assured that egg supply remains stable, with market prices staying reasonable. 'As of July 2, estimated monthly production was 1.75 billion eggs, while domestic demand is around 1.06 billion. This leaves a surplus of about 690 million eggs, some of which are exported,' he said in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to Pekan MP Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali, who inquired about the savings from the subsidy adjustment and its effect on prices and living costs. Mohamad added that the subsidy reduction and eventual removal will not disrupt the egg industry, which is benefiting from lower chicken feed costs. The government plans to redirect funds to more impactful public programmes. He noted that egg inflation dropped by 5.3 per cent in May, though not all egg grades saw equal price adjustments under the new subsidy system. To ensure stability, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will collaborate with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to monitor supply and prevent profiteering. - Bernama
