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Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah's food paradox: The road to self-sufficiency
Sabah is blessed with fertile soil, abundant rainfall, and incredible agricultural potential. Yet, it finds itself in a perplexing situation: it imports over 60% of its food, including essential staples like rice. This dependency isn't just a matter of convenience; it's a serious vulnerability. In an era of climate disruptions, geopolitical instability, and fluctuating global markets, a shock to the worldwide supply chain could send ripples of price volatility and food insecurity across the state. This is especially true for rice, the most critical staple for many Sabahans. The state's struggle for food security is complicated by a centralized federal system, especially when it comes to rice. Since 1996, the company Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) has held a federal monopoly over all rice imports into Malaysia. This gives BERNAS sweeping powers over imports, pricing, and national stockpile management. While the intent behind BERNAS's concession is to safeguard national food security and stabilize farmer income, its implications for state autonomy — especially in Sabah and Sarawak — are profound. In Sabah, where the rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) hovers around 22.8%, the centralized import model severely restricts the state's ability to tailor responses to local shortages, price hikes, and regional preferences. Sabah's Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, has consistently called for Sabah to manage at least 50% of its rice imports, framing it not as a request but as a constitutional right to address local needs and safeguard food security. As the state's Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, Jeffrey emphasizes that Sabah's challenges differ significantly from those in Peninsular Malaysia and thus require decentralized control over rice imports and production. This would empower both Sabah and Sarawak to respond more effectively to local supply-demand dynamics. Proposing a 50% share as a practical middle ground, he believes Sabah can demonstrate the benefits of localized management without fully dismantling the federal system, allowing for policy evaluation and adjustment. Jeffrey is a vocal critic of the current rice import monopoly, arguing it stifles competition, hampers progress, and harms Sabah's economy. He warns that such centralized power fosters inefficiency and potential abuse, and rejects the notion that competition is harmful. On the contrary, he argues, competition drives innovation, efficiency, and better outcomes for both farmers and consumers. Despite these strong arguments, federal authorities have stood firm, extending BERNAS's monopoly until 2031. They maintain that a single importer ensures price stability and strategic stockpile coordination. While Sabah has attempted to challenge this monopoly, such efforts are fraught with legal complexities, as rice is a federally regulated strategic commodity. Nevertheless, Sabah is not standing still. The state government, through its GLC Sawit Kinabalu and the Agriculture Department, has launched a 100-hectare pilot padi project in Kampung Ongkilan. The goal is ambitious: to raise Sabah's rice self-sufficiency to 60% by 2030. With an investment of RM5 million, the project incorporates modern technology, including drone monitoring and efficient irrigation systems. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has thrown his weight behind the effort. He has pointed out that 2,600 hectares of idle padi land remain untapped and has urged other GLCs to follow Sawit Kinabalu's lead. This is not just an agricultural initiative; it is a strategic economic push to reclaim local control over food security and revive Sabah's rural heartland. Beyond regulatory issues, Sabah's food security challenges are rooted in physical and logistical disconnections. Sabah's interior agricultural zones — from Keningau to Kudat — produce an abundance of food. But poor rural road networks, seasonal flooding, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure render much of this food inaccessible. A sudden downpour can turn dirt roads into impassable swamps, leaving harvests stranded and spoiled in the field. Farmers bear high transport costs, and perishables rarely survive the journey to urban markets. Investing in resilient farm-to-market roads is not just a development priority; it is a necessity. Without reliable road infrastructure, no amount of agricultural expansion or policy reform will translate into real food on tables. The cold chain — the temperature-controlled storage and transport system vital for preserving perishables — is virtually nonexistent in most of Sabah's rural areas. Without cold storage, farmers experience post-harvest losses as high as 40%. This is not only an economic tragedy but a nutritional one. Sabah must embrace innovations such as solar-powered cold rooms, already tested successfully in India and Africa. These solutions are especially relevant for Sabah's off-grid rural areas and align with the state's green development goals. Simultaneously, smart irrigation systems are needed to mitigate the effects of erratic rainfall, which still dominates Sabah's agriculture and leads to inconsistent yields. Predictable production enabled by smart irrigation would lead to smoother, more cost-effective logistics down the line. Finally, the state's traditional agricultural value chain, which moves from farmer to middleman to wholesaler to retailer, is long and inefficient. Sabah should pivot toward a direct-from-farm model, powered by digital platforms. This would shorten the supply chain, reduce spoilage and costs, and empower farmers to keep a larger share of the profits. Such a transition requires investment in localized distribution hubs, training in post-harvest handling, and user-friendly digital platforms that connect farmers directly with buyers. Revamping Sabah's logistics system is not just a technical fix; it's a transformational policy that would touch every aspect of rural life. Better logistics mean higher incomes for farmers, more jobs in transportation, healthier diets for consumers, and stronger rural communities less dependent on external aid. Even forgotten infrastructure, like the railway to Tenom, could be revived as part of a modernized logistics system. The key to Sabah's food security lies not only in growing more food but in ensuring that food moves efficiently, affordably, and reliably from farms to kitchens. This requires a three-pronged approach: • Investment in Infrastructure: Fund roads, cold chains, and smart irrigation systems. • Embracing Innovation: Pivot to digital farm-to-market models. • Policy Reform: Open a dialogue with the federal government to reform policies that stifle state innovation, specifically regarding the rice import monopoly. The current situation, where local food rots while imported goods fill supermarket shelves, is no longer tenable. Sabah must be empowered to act as a protector of its food destiny. If logistics is the lifeblood of agriculture, then Sabah's heart is in critical condition. It's time to fix the chain — technically, economically, and politically — before the system breaks beyond repair.
Daily Express
17-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah No 1 agricultural sector contributor
Published on: Thursday, July 17, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 17, 2025 Text Size: Dr Jeffrey said of the total, the crop subsector accounted for the highest number of holdings at 140,018, followed by capture fisheries (14,903), livestock (2,242), aquaculture (2,164) and forestry and logging (162). Kota Kinabalu: Sabah recorded the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, with a total of 159,259, continuing its position as one of the country's top contributors to the agricultural sector. Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan said of the total, the crop subsector accounted for the highest number of holdings at 140,018, followed by capture fisheries (14,903), livestock (2,242), aquaculture (2,164) and forestry and logging (162). Advertisement 'The State contributes 17.4 per cent of the total crop subsector sales value, placing it among the top four states nationally. 'Sabah is also ranked in the top three states for capture fisheries (13.8 per cent) and for forestry and logging (19.6 per cent),' he said during the launch of the Sabah State Interim Report of the 2024 Agriculture Census on Tuesday. Jeffrey, who is also State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, added that the 2024 Agriculture Census data revealed that more than 70 per cent of the State's agricultural holdings are operated by individuals aged 46 and above. He said about 35 per cent of individual holders reported having no formal qualifications or certifications, offering a clear profile of the current farming community in Sabah. 'This report not only provides a comprehensive overview of the current agricultural landscape but also serves as a vital foundation in formulating impactful policies and strategies,' he said. In 2023, Sabah recorded a total planted area of 1.782 million hectares, with the majority cultivated by agricultural organisations. 'This reflects the significant role of organisations and companies in shaping the State's agricultural landscape, which is dominated by commodity crops, particularly oil palm. 'Of the total planted area, 1.574 million hectares or 88.3 per cent were harvested areas,' he said. Chief Statistician of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, said in addition to conducting the Agriculture Census every 10 years to strengthen the national agricultural statistics system, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) will introduce a short-term agricultural survey in 2026 to ensure the data remains relevant and responsive to current trends. 'Following the 2024 Agriculture Census, DOSM has developed an integrated agriculture statistics system portal known as TaniStats,' he said. According to the census report, Keningau recorded the highest number of individual agricultural holders in Sabah with 14,100, followed by Ranau (12,862) and Kota Marudu (12,627). In terms of sales value, Kinabatangan topped the list with RM4.15 billion, followed by Tawau (RM3.93 billion) and Lahad Datu (RM3.50 billion). * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
15-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah records highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia
Jeffrey (seated centre) at the launching ceremony of Interim Report of the 2024 Sabah Agriculture Census released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on Tuesday. KOTA KINABALU (July 15): Sabah has the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, recording a total of 159,259, according to the Interim Report of the 2024 Sabah Agriculture Census released by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) on Tuesday. The launching ceremony of the report was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister I cum Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Also present was Chief Statistician of Malaysia and Commissioner of the 2024 Agriculture Census, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, alongside heads of departments and representatives from federal and state agriculture agencies. Jeffrey said the majority of the holdings are in the crops sub-sector, accounting for 140,018 holdings, followed by capture fisheries (14,903), livestock (2,242), aquaculture (2,164), and forestry and logging (162). The data also highlights the demographic landscape of Sabah's agricultural sector, which consists of 156,635 individual holdings. Notably, over 70 per cent of these individual farmers are aged 46 and above. About 35 per cent of them reported having no formal education or academic qualifications. 'This provides us with a clear picture of Sabah's current agricultural profile. It also underscores the urgency to craft targeted and inclusive policies that will attract younger generations to participate in this sector,' Jeffrey said. The Interim Report on Agricultural Labour revealed that 325,805 individuals are involved in agricultural activities across the state. This figure comprises 136,030 active owners and partners, 160,415 salaried workers and 28,676 unpaid family workers. In terms of cultivated land, Sabah recorded 1.782 million hectares in 2023. Of this, 1.574 million hectares or 88.3 per cent were harvested areas, mostly under corporate agricultural holdings, particularly in oil palm plantations. The sector also contributed significantly to Sabah's economy, recording total sales of RM25.06 billion in 2023. Organisational or corporate agricultural holdings contributed the lion's share at 81.5 per cent, while individual holdings accounted for 18.5 per cent. The crops sub-sector contributed 82 per cent of total sales, followed by livestock (7.9 per cent), capture fisheries (5.9 per cent), forestry and logging (3.0 per cent) and aquaculture (1.1 per cent). Sabah remains among the top contributors to the nation's agricultural performance. It accounts for 17.4 per cent of national crop sub-sector sales, ranking within the top four states. For capture fisheries, Sabah is among the top three contributors with 13.8 per cent, while forestry and logging contributed 19.6 per cent of the national output. At the district level, Keningau recorded the highest number of individual agricultural holdings in Sabah with 14,100, followed by Ranau (12,862) and Kota Marudu (12,627). In terms of sales value, Kinabatangan led with RM4.15 billion, followed by Tawau (RM3.93 billion) and Lahad Datu (RM3.50 billion). Meanwhile, Uzir said that DOSM has published 15 Interim Reports of the 2024 Agriculture Census at the national level, detailing statistics for the overall agricultural sector and five specific sub-sectors, crops (both agri-commodity and agro-food), livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry and logging. Additionally, 14 more detailed reports have been released covering specific commodities and sectors including oil palm, rubber, paddy, pineapple, kenaf, cocoa, pepper, fruits, vegetables, other crops, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry and logging. Uzir also stressed the importance of integrated digital data management in agriculture. DOSM has developed TaniStats, an integrated digital platform combining data from the 2024 Census, upstream and downstream sector statistics, food security indicators, the MyAgroPrice dashboard, and other agricultural data sources. He emphasised the need for inter-agency cooperation to keep the system updated and fully utilised. Looking ahead, besides conducting the Agriculture Census every 10 years, DOSM plans to introduce short-term agricultural surveys starting in 2026 to ensure statistics remain relevant and responsive to current trends. In the context of regional leadership, Malaysia will chair the 15th ASEAN Community Statistical System Committee (ACSS15) in 2025 to further strengthen regional statistical cooperation for sustainable development. On the international front, Malaysia has achieved a milestone by ranking first globally in the Open Data Inventory (ODIN) 2024/25 report, surpassing 198 other countries, a significant leap from its 67th position in 2022/23. In line with this achievement, the government has declared October 20 as National Statistics Day (MyStats Day), themed 'Statistics: The Pulse of Life'. The Fourth World Statistics Day will also be celebrated on October 20, 2025, themed 'Driving Change with Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone.' Public access to data is available through OpenDOSM NextGen, a digital platform offering data catalogues and visualisations, accessible at
Daily Express
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Incentives for fishermen: Ministry
Published on: Friday, July 11, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 11, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Its Assistant Minister II, Datuk Peto Galim, said the Sabah government through his Ministry is continuing efforts to uplift the livelihoods of local fishermen in the State including Semporna through various types of incentive assistance. Kota Kinabalu: The State Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, through Sabah Fisheries Department, provides incentives to the local fishing community, including those not registered with the Area Fishermen Association (PNK). Its Assistant Minister II, Datuk Peto Galim, said the Sabah government through his Ministry is continuing efforts to uplift the livelihoods of local fishermen in the State including Semporna through various types of incentive assistance. He said among these incentives are programmes under the Socio-Economic Transformation for Poor and Hardcore Poor Fishermen and Breeders. 'Under this programme, fishermen receive fishing equipment assistance such as outboard engines, fiberglass boats, polyethylene (PE) ropes, insulated fish boxes, life jackets and marker lights. 'Additionally, programmes like the Local Fishermen Income Enhancement Programme and Coastal Fishermen Assistance schemes supply equipment based on current needs, including GPS units, nets and other fishing gear, to support local fisherman State-wide including in Semporna,' he said. Peto was replying to Sulabayan Assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong who asked about the incentives provided by the Ministry to 1,500 local fishermen registered under PNK Semporna. 'As of 2024, Sabah has 26,682 fishermen, with 5,158 from Semporna alone, while six fishermen in Semporna received direct assistance in 2024, with another 12 expected to benefit this year,' he said. According to him, the Ministry, through Ko-Nelayan, is also driving microcredit schemes to help fishermen and related businesses increase their earnings which include the Fishermen Assistance Scheme for full-time coastal fishermen, the Aquaculture Operators Assistance Scheme for small-scale aquaculture entrepreneurs, and the Small Fisheries Industry Development program targeting downstream fishermen operators. On top of financial support, Peto said human capital development remains a priority. 'Free training courses under the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) are offered to the fishing community to improve their knowledge and skills at the Ko-Nelayan Aquaculture Training Center, where eight fishermen from Semporna have upgraded their skills in engine maintenance and fiberglass boat building from 2024 to 2025. 'Fishermen and downstream operators are also being trained in fiberglass boat making and fish product processing under broader income enhancement programs,' he said. Peto said his Ministry, through Ko-Nelayan, also provides microcredit financing program under the i-Nelayan scheme that offers financing up to RM10,000 for outboard engines and fishing gear, while the i-Hiliran scheme provides up to RM100,000 for those involved in fish-based food processing. In light of this, he said eight fishermen from Semporna benefitted under i-Nelayan between 2024 and 2025, and 13 downstream operators joined i-Hiliran in the same period. In embracing technology, he said local fishermen are also being trained to use the Sabah Mobile Artisanal Remote Technology (e-SMART) app to identify fishing locations. 'The Electronic Community Fisheries Entrepreneurs Program also provides the e-KAN e-commerce platform to Ko-Nelayan micro-entrepreneurs, young fishermen, and local micro-entrepreneurs to promote and sell products through online stores. 'Eight fishermen from Semporna are already using the app, while 16 downstream operators have set up online stores on Ko-Nelayan's e-commerce platform (e-KAN), achieving combined sales totalling RM5.23 million as of May 2025. 'These programmes show our continuous commitment to improve the incomes and livelihoods of fishermen across Sabah, especially in Semporna,' Peto said. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sabah boosts padi productivity in six key districts with modern farming
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry is rolling out measures to improve padi productivity across six major districts. Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Tambunan, Keningau, and Papar will benefit from modern farming techniques and infrastructure upgrades. Assistant Minister Hendrus Anding revealed that the Sabah Rice and Padi Board has earmarked 121.4 hectares in Tambunan for a high-yield padi pilot project. 'This initiative will feature full automation, mechanisation, and scheduled water management to maximise output,' he said during the State Legislative Assembly session. The ministry is also executing the Quality Padi Production Scheme, which includes satellite farms for seed production, particularly the TR8 variety. Three dedicated centres in Papar, Tenom, and Kota Belud will support this effort. In response to queries from Datuk Rubin Balang, Hendrus shared that abandoned padi fields are being revived. Last year, 437.57 hectares out of a targeted 7,392 hectares were successfully restored. Additionally, the Two-Season-a-Year Planting Campaign is being promoted in select areas using Rice Check technology and centralised farming systems. To further drive agricultural growth, the ministry launched the Sabah State-Level Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution in Tambunan on April 28. The program aims to boost food security and productivity by encouraging broader community involvement in farming. Modernisation remains a priority, with ploughing machinery, drones, and IoT solutions being deployed. 'These technologies address labour shortages while improving precision in fertiliser and pesticide application,' Hendrus added. – Bernama
