Latest news with #LandUseOptimisationProgramme
New Straits Times
18-07-2025
- 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
18-07-2025
- 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
Barnama
18-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
KPKM Allocates RM1 Million For MD2 Pineapple Project In Sabah
SOOK, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) 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 Minister of Agriculture and Food Security 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 (LPNM) 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.
The Star
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
220 agri projects approved nationwide under land usage scheme
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 220 projects have been approved under the Land Use Optimisation Programme in collaboration with state governments nationwide last year and this year, as of May 30. The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry said the projects encompass crop cultivation, livestock, fisheries, agro-tourism, and capacity-building for farmers, planters, fishermen and breeders. ALSO READ: Malaysia's food security at risk "Through Budget 2025, the Federal Government has allocated RM300mil to execute various agricultural development initiatives in partnership with state governments. "This programme includes improving, upgrading and carrying out agricultural activities on land which is under the joint jurisdiction of state governments and the ministry,' it said in a statement on Friday (June 20). The matter was announced at the first meeting of the Agriculture and Food Security Minister with state agriculture executive councillors for this year in Putrajaya on Thursday (June 19). The meeting also discussed a proposal for the official handover of 51 National Satellite Farm complexes built by the Veterinary Services Department using federal funds on state-owned land in Negri Sembilan, Johor and Perak. ALSO READ: Food security game-changer: Malaysia entering cultured meat revolution "This move aims to streamline the leasing and maintenance of immovable assets by the respective state authorities in a lawful and organised manner. "The meeting agreed that the handover would resolve issues of unclear asset ownership and enable state governments to manage and maintain the assets more systematically, ensuring the continuity of livestock operations and optimal use of existing infrastructure,' the statement read. Meanwhile, on the role of state executive councillors addressing "grey areas" in rice bowl zones, one of the proposals raised was to transfer assets with unclear ownership to the state or district Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), to ensure more efficient and effective padi field irrigation management. "This effort is expected to resolve overlapping responsibilities between the Integrated Agriculture Development Area and DID, thereby streamlining infrastructure management and boosting national padi production,' the statement added. ALSO READ: Ensuring food security in face of climate change Meanwhile, state governments are encouraged to leverage data from the 2024 Interim Agricultural Census and the Integrated Agricultural Statistics System (TaniStats) to formulate more focused and high-impact policies, strategies and development plans for the agri-food sector at the state level, it said. "The meeting also noted the urgent need for strategic action to address cross-border livestock smuggling along the Malaysia-Thailand border, to safeguard the sector from disease threats and ensure its continued competitiveness,' the statement read. The meeting was a platform for policy coordination, information sharing and aligning commitments between the Federal and state governments to drive a more integrated agri-food development agenda. – Bernama
Barnama
20-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
KPKM Approved 220 Agricultural Projects Under Land Use Optimisation Programme
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- A total of 220 projects have been approved under the Land Use Optimisation Programme in collaboration with state governments nationwide for 2024 and 2025, as of May 30. In a statement today, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) announced that the projects encompass crop cultivation, livestock, fisheries, agro-tourism, and capacity-building for farmers, planters, fishermen and breeders. 'Through Budget 2025, the Federal government has allocated RM300 million to execute various agricultural development initiatives in partnership with state governments. 'This programme includes improving, upgrading and carrying out agricultural activities on land which is under the joint jurisdiction of state governments and KPKM,' the statement read. The matter was announced at the first meeting of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security with State Agriculture Executive Councillors for 2025, held in Putrajaya yesterday. In addition to two papers for consideration and five papers for information, the meeting also discussed a proposal for the official handover of 51 National Satellite Farm complexes built by the Department of Veterinary Services using federal funds on state-owned land in Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Perak. 'This move aims to streamline the leasing and maintenance of immovable assets by the respective state authorities in a lawful and organised manner. 'The meeting agreed that the handover would resolve issues of unclear asset ownership and enable state governments to manage and maintain the assets more systematically, ensuring the continuity of livestock operations and optimal use of existing infrastructure,' the statement read. Meanwhile, on the role of state executive councillors addressing 'grey areas' in rice bowl zones, one of the proposals raised was to transfer assets with unclear ownership to the state or district Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), to ensure more efficient and effective padi field irrigation management.
