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Malaysian Reserve
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Smart SBBprogramme boostsrice productionin Sabah
With the Smart SBB project, Kampung Jawi-Jawi farmers achieved 4.56 mt/ha this year by FAREZZA HANUM RASHID FARMERS in Kota Belud are now enjoying higher rice yields after participating in the Smart Large-Scale Paddy Field (SBB) Programme modelled after Sekinchan, implemented by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas). One of the participating farmers is 51-year-old Adlin Mohamad, a third-generation paddy farmer who continues the legacy of his late father in Kampung Jawi-Jawi, near here. Having developed an interest in agriculture since the age of 18, Adlin's farming methods have evolved significantly — from using buffaloes to plough the fields to now embracing more modern systems. Among the technologies he employs are mechanised ploughing equipment and drones for monitoring his fields. The first SBB Programme was done in Sekinchan, Selangor (Source: MEDIA MULIA) Today, he plays a more strategic role by overseeing operations and managing a team of farmers, blending traditional experience with modern agricultural practices. Most of his work now focuses on monitoring, planning and management, rather than purely physical labour. His daily routine begins with surveying the farmland, followed by scheduling irrigation for the rice crops. Adlin shared that paddy farmers today face several major challenges. Among them are the rising costs of ploughing and a significant increase in pesticide prices, which he said have risen by 50% to 70%. 'Alhamdulillah, we have recently received government support in the form of increased rice subsidies and minimum floor price. But we are asking the government to also help control the rising costs of pesticides and ploughing. 'The floor price also needs to be regulated to prevent contractors from arbitrarily raising costs,' he said. Govt has recently increased rice subsidies and minimum floor price (Source: MEDIA MULIA) Adlin also expressed gratitude to Bernas for selecting Kampung Jawi-Jawi as the site of Sabah's first Smart SBB project in 2023. He said farmers in the area, which spans roughly 41 hectares, have successfully improved their economic situation compared to the past. He added that guidance provided by Bernas helped farmers transition from traditional methods to modern farming practices. There are 19 participants in the Smart SBB programme in Kampung Jawi-Jawi. 'Using traditional methods, we used to only harvest about two to three metric tonnes per hectare (mt/ha). With the Smart SBB project, we achieved 4.11 mt/ha in the first season. 'Even more impressively, this year we reached 4.56 mt/ha,' he explained. Adlin with TR8 rice seed variety provided through the Smart SBB programme Adlin also expressed appreciation that all programme participants were supplied with TR8 rice seeds, which are well-suited to the local conditions and resistant to pests. 'However, if possible, we would like agriculture agencies to supply new rice seed varieties. 'We have been using TR8 for quite a while now, and there may be newer varieties that could further improve yields in our area,' he added. As a contributor to national food security through the production of staple crops, Adlin also shared his hopes for the future of the industry. He urged the government to continue supporting farmers through initiatives such as the Smart SBB programme. 'We hope this programme can be continued and expanded further in Sabah, with increased allocations for Bernas and all related agencies. 'And since we are also facing some infrastructure issues, we hope the government will increase infrastructure development funding,' he said.
Malaysian Reserve
08-07-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
ABP Group invests in Malaysia, strengthens regional cyber defense and talent development
by FAREZZA HANUM RASHID SINGAPORE-BASED cyber security provider ABP Group is strengthening its presence in Malaysia with the launch of a new office in KL Eco City, located opposite Mid Valley City. This milestone builds on six years of established operations in the country and supports the Group's long-term strategy to expand its capabilities across Southeast Asia. The newly launched Kuala Lumpur office features a modern and spacious environment designed to support a growing team of cybersecurity experts. It includes infrastructure upgrades to support regional delivery, technical collaboration, and talent development. ABP Group Chief Executive Officer Sun Yi said the expansion allows the company to build greater delivery capacity, deepen client engagement, and respond more quickly to emerging threats in the region. 'As demand for cybersecurity solutions increases, our presence in Malaysia ensures we remain close to our clients and equipped to support their needs,' he said in a statement. The Malaysian expansion complements ABP Group's regional footprint, with the new office serving as a base for project execution, technical support, and training initiatives. Sun said Malaysia plays a central role in ABP Group's broader regional roadmap for Southeast Asia. 'The company's continued investment reflects a deep belief in Malaysia's emergence as a cybersecurity leader for the region. 'This expansion brings us closer to a more unified cybersecurity ecosystem across Southeast Asia, starting with Singapore and Malaysia, working in sync through shared infrastructure, shared talent, and a common standard of resilience,' Sun added. Cybersecurity risks in Southeast Asia have intensified as digital adoption accelerates. According to Kaspersky Cybersecurity Report for Malaysia (1H2024), Malaysia recorded 19.62 million web-based attacks in the first half of 2024, the highest in the region. ABP Group's capability is delivered through three specialised business units to offer end-to-end cybersecurity coverage across Southeast Asia. The first pillar, Sunnic, leads technology innovation and research and development (R&D), while ABP Cyber provides tailored cybersecurity solutions, and ABP Securite drives value-added distribution through its growing partner ecosystem. These units work together to deliver regional impact with local precision. The KL Eco City office will serve as ABP Group's hub for client engagement, technical collaboration and local talent development. 'This is more than a physical expansion. It is about reinforcing the infrastructure needed to deliver cybersecurity at scale. As Malaysia moves deeper into a digital-first future, the need for trusted cybersecurity partners will only grow. 'ABP Group sees this as a long game, one that demands not just technical capability but long-term thinking, shared responsibility, and local leadership,' Sun said. For more information about ABP Group and its cybersecurity solutions, visit
