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New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah records highest agricultural holdings in Malaysia
SOOK: The interim report of the 2024 Agriculture Census shows that Sabah recorded the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, with a total of 159,259. 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
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah leads Malaysia in agricultural holdings with 159,259 farms
SOOK: Sabah has emerged as the state with the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, recording 159,259 farms according to the 2024 Agriculture Census interim report. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup highlighted that the interior zone—comprising Keningau, Sook, Nabawan, Tambunan, and Tenom—accounts for 26% of the state's total agricultural activity. 'The number is expected to rise given the vast potential of undeveloped land in these areas,' he said during the launch of the Road to National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNK) 2025 Series 2. To support growth, the ministry has introduced initiatives such as the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK), a coffee processing facility in Sapulut, and high-value crop cultivation like MD2 pineapples. Arthur emphasized the federal and state governments' commitment to strengthening agriculture through policy planning, technical support, and infrastructure investments. The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) has been pivotal, with Sabah FAMA receiving RM13.8 million in 2024 for 313 projects, benefiting 29,000 entrepreneurs and generating RM83 million in sales. The upcoming national-level HPPNK 2025 in Kota Kinabalu marks 50 years of the event, with Sabah hosting for the first time in three decades. 'This celebration recognises the vital role of farmers, breeders, and fishermen in national food security,' Arthur added. - Bernama
Barnama
5 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Sabah Records Highest Agricultural Holdings In Malaysia
SOOK, July 18 (Bernama) -- The interim report of the 2024 Agriculture Census shows that Sabah recorded the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, with a total of 159,259. 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 Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, 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.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Ministry allocates RM1 million for MD2 pineapple project in Sabah
SOOK: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has allocated RM1 million, under the Land Use Optimisation Programme carried out in collaboration with the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB), for the MD2 pineapple plantation project here. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Ministry Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said Phase 1 of the project, covering six hectares with 250,000 pineapple vines planted, benefits 695 participants. "The participants are expected to enjoy the first harvest, expected between 12 and 15 months from now, thus supporting efforts to develop the community-based economy in rural areas, particularly in the interior of Sabah, where livelihoods largely depend on agricultural resources," he said in a statement here today. Arthur said the implementation of the project would not only boost the country's pineapple production but also create job opportunities, generate income for local farmers and promote overall rural economic development. He said SLDB had originally planned to develop oil palm plantations in the area, but the soil conditions proved unsuitable. As a result, SLDB took the initiative to optimise land use by cultivating pineapples instead, he added. He said the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board was also involved in exploring the potential for collaboration, particularly in establishing a pineapple industry in Sook, with the ministry always focusing on high-value agricultural sectors such as the MD2 pineapple crop. Meanwhile, Arthur said that under the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK), a group-based MD2 pineapple cultivation project is being carried out in Kampung Sakikilo, involving 42 families. He said LPNM would contribute its expertise in pineapple cultivation and work alongside the Sook PPK to monitor the project, an initiative aimed at boosting the income of the participating communities. "I am planning for the board and the Malaysian Farmers' Organisation to establish a pineapple industry in Sook, turning it into a new economic source for the interior districts of Sabah," he said, adding that 5,000 pineapple vines, over 300 kilogrammes of fertiliser and a mini tiller machine had been handed over to kick-start the community project.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
RM1 million allocated for MD2 pineapple project in Sabah
SOOK: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has allocated RM1 million for the MD2 pineapple plantation project in Sabah under the Land Use Optimisation Programme. The initiative, carried out with the Sabah Land Development Board (SLDB), aims to enhance agricultural productivity and rural economic growth. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that Phase 1 of the project covers six hectares with 250,000 pineapple vines, benefiting 695 participants. 'The first harvest is expected in 12 to 15 months, supporting community-based economic development in rural Sabah,' he said. Originally, SLDB planned oil palm cultivation in the area, but unsuitable soil conditions led to a shift towards pineapple farming. Arthur highlighted that the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) is exploring collaboration opportunities to establish a pineapple industry in Sook. Additionally, a group-based MD2 pineapple project in Kampung Sakikilo involves 42 families under the Sook Area Farmers' Organisation (PPK). LPNM will provide expertise and monitoring support to ensure project success. Arthur added, 'We aim to make Sook a new economic hub for Sabah's interior districts,' with 5,000 pineapple vines, fertiliser, and farming equipment already distributed to kickstart the initiative. - Bernama
