Latest news with #SabahMajuJaya
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sabah to revive rice production in food security push, says CM
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is reactivating efforts to boost local food production, including rice farming, as part of a broader push for food security. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced the initiative at the state-level Kaamatan celebration, saying the festival serves as a timely reminder of the importance of agriculture. 'As we celebrate Kaamatan, we must also reflect on the significance of agriculture in our lives — especially padi farming, which has long been a symbol of our people's resilience,' he said in his speech during the launching ceremony of Pesta Kaamatan 2025 at the Hongkod Koisaan hall, on Friday (May 30). Hajiji said the state government is committed to strengthening Sabah's food supply chain by revitalising initiatives to increase local rice output and reduce reliance on imported food. These include the reactivation of the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board to improve the state's self-sufficiency level (SSL), with the aim of achieving 30% rice SSL by next year and 60% by 2030. 'These efforts are not just about economic sustainability — they are also about preserving our culture and heritage that revolve around rice and farming traditions,' he said. He added that the government is also focusing on improving the rural economy through modern agriculture, community-based tourism, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), under the Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint. Hajiji stressed that strong cooperation with the Federal Government would be crucial in ensuring that the state's development policies translate into tangible benefits for the people. 'I am confident that our close relationship with the federal government will help accelerate the success of our state development agenda,' he said. Beyond agriculture, Hajiji also emphasised that Kaamatan serves as a unifying force for Sabah's multicultural society, bringing people together in the spirit of harmony, respect, and mutual appreciation. 'This festival is a reflection of our unity in diversity — Kaamatan belongs to everyone, and through it, we celebrate not only the harvest but also the values of togetherness that bind us as Sabahans,' he said. He also noted that this year's Kaamatan marks the 65th celebration since its official introduction in 1960, with the theme 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan'. The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for gracing the celebration, calling his presence 'a meaningful gesture of support for Sabah's culture, people and aspirations.' Kaamatan, also known as the Harvest Festival, is an annual cultural event celebrated by the Kadazan Dusun and Murut communities and has grown to reflect the state's broader multicultural identity.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
State committed on rural economic empowerment through SMJ plan
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 Text Size: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor accompanied Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the state-level Kaamatan Festival launch at Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Penampang, on Friday The Sabah state government remains committed to strengthening rural socio-economic development through strategic approaches such as agricultural modernisation, promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and community-based tourism. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor said these efforts are key pillars under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan aimed at ensuring inclusive and comprehensive well-being for the people. 'Rural communities must continue to be given economic opportunities through modern agriculture, community tourism, or skills training not only to boost income but also to reduce poverty in Sabah,' he said. He said this during the State-level Kaamatan Festival 2025 officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today. Hajiji also highlighted plans to reactivate the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board to support food security, targeting a 30pc rice self-sufficiency level by next year and 60pc by 2030. He stressed that close cooperation with the Federal Government is essential to drive development policies effectively and ensure that Sabahans benefit directly. * 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
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Growth of youth potential among priorities
Published on: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 29, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: Hajiji and other guests pose for a photo with participants of the forum. Kota Kinabalu: Youth development has become one of the priorities in the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development policy, in line with the national Ekonomi Madani framework, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said that youth not only play a role as beneficiaries of policies, but are also agents of change and driving forces for a resilient and inclusive state development. 'Youth economic development is no longer an option but a strategic necessity. Youth are the heartbeat of the future who will steer the direction of the state. 'Therefore, they must be given space, training and opportunities to actively contribute to the progress of Sabah,' he said when officiating the Youth Economic Forum: 'Madani Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' at Dewan Amil Jaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch on Tuesday. Hajiji said the State Government allocated RM101.49 million to the Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports for 2025 to implement various youth and sports development programs, including RM16.75 million specifically for human capital development. Advertisement He added that various programmes had been introduced to ensure Sabah's youth are prepared to face current and future challenges, including the Sabah Maju Jaya Fellow Programme, which offers direct exposure to government policies and administration. 'Through this programme, youth will be shaped not just in terms of knowledge, but also leadership and national values, so that they can contribute effectively to state development,' he said. He also highlighted entrepreneurship initiatives such as the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Scheme (Syabas), which provides grants, training and guidance for youth interested in venturing into business. He said that Sabah's economic development must be viewed through the lens of direct youth involvement, particularly in the tourism, agriculture, and fisheries sectors, which are key focus areas under SMJ. 'The immense potential that this state possesses must be translated into real opportunities for the people, especially the youth. The government will continue to provide various initiatives and incentives so that the younger generation is not merely observers, but key players in the state's economy,' he said. Hajiji also praised organisation of the forum, which not only serves as a platform for discussion but also creates cross-sectoral collaboration to strengthen efforts in holistic youth development. He believes that a joint approach through synergy among various stakeholders will ensure that the talents and potential of Sabah's youth are developed to their fullest, thereby contributing to the state's development agenda. He said a strong cooperation between the government and the community is crucial to ensure that youth aspirations can be translated into impactful grassroots policies. 'I believe that with the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya and the principles of Ekonomi Madani, Sabah's youth are capable of building a more progressive, balanced and competitive future,' he said. Hajiji also suggested that youth economic forums like this be held in other districts across Sabah to ensure that the voices of rural youth are also heard and recognised. * 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
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Youth development key to Sabah's future under SMJ, says Hajiji
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor poses with participants of the Youth Economic Forum: 'MADANI Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' after officiating its closing at Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch, Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday. KOTA KINABALU (May 27): Youth development remains a key priority under the implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development roadmap, in alignment with the national Ekonomi MADANI framework, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. He said youths are not only beneficiaries of government policies but also agents of change and driving forces behind a resilient and inclusive state development agenda. 'Youth economic development is no longer an option, it is a strategic necessity. Young people are the heartbeat of the future and will steer the direction of our state,' he said when officiating the Youth Economic Forum: 'MADANI Aspirations in Developing Sabah Maju Jaya' held at Dewan Amil Jaya, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sabah Branch on Tuesday. Hajiji said the state government has allocated RM101.49 million to the state Ministry of Youth and Sports for 2025 to carry out various youth and sports development programmes, including RM16.75 million specifically for human capital development. He added that several initiatives have been introduced to ensure Sabah youths are equipped to face current and future challenges, including the Sabah Maju Jaya Fellowship Programme, which provides direct exposure to government policies and administration. 'Through this programme, youths are shaped not just in terms of knowledge but also in leadership and national values, enabling them to contribute effectively to the state's development,' he said. He also highlighted entrepreneurship initiatives such as the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Success Scheme (SYABAS), which offers grants, training and mentorship to young people keen on venturing into business. He said Sabah's economic development must be viewed through the lens of direct youth involvement, especially in key focus sectors under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) roadmap such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries. 'The vast potential that Sabah holds must be translated into real opportunities for the people, especially the youth. The government will continue to provide various initiatives and incentives so that young people are not merely observers, but become key players in the state's economy,' he stressed. Hajiji also commended the organisation of the forum, which not only served as a platform for discussion but also created opportunities for cross-sector collaboration to strengthen holistic youth development efforts. He believes that a collaborative approach through synergy between stakeholders will ensure that Sabah's youth talents and potential are fully nurtured, contributing meaningfully to the state's development agenda. He emphasised that close cooperation between the government and the community is crucial to translate youth aspirations into impactful policies for grassroots communities. 'I believe that with the spirit of Sabah Maju Jaya and the principles of Ekonomi MADANI, Sabah's youth are capable of building a more progressive, balanced and competitive future,' he said. Hajiji also suggested that similar youth economic forums be held in other districts throughout Sabah, so that the voices of rural youth can also be heard and elevated.
Daily Express
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Working with Pakatan Harapan OK, not Barisan Nasional
Published on: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 21, 2025 By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: Mazlan stated that his side remains committed to supporting any leadership decision, whether to cooperate or go solo in PRN17, as long as GRS remains dominant. BEAUFORT: If political cooperation takes place, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) appears more inclined to work with Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah in facing the upcoming 17th State Election (PRN17). The Lumadan Division Chief of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS), Mazlan Joehari Manan, said this is due to the good cooperation between both parties in the current GRS-PH Plus government administration. According to him, the coalition successfully established political stability, which in turn boosted the development agenda for the people under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) framework, compared to previous collaborations with other parties. 'The possibility (of political cooperation) exists as the current GRS-PH Plus government is able to work well together and has created political stability, thus facilitating all development initiatives. 'This situation is beneficial for the people and for Sabah itself. We want this momentum to continue into the next term as this cooperation aligns with the concept of the Unity Government at the Federal level. 'Therefore, we are more comfortable working with PH for PRN17, but ultimately, it depends on the decision of the top leadership,' he said after officiating the Group Branch Meeting of the PGRS Lumadan Division, here, recently. Advertisement He said this when asked about the possibility that GRS might not go solo at the last minute but instead form a collaboration with PH and BN to face PRN17. Mazlan stated that his side remains committed to supporting any leadership decision, whether to cooperate or go solo in PRN17, as long as GRS remains dominant. However, the Special Officer to the Chief Minister dismissed the likelihood of GRS having to form a political alliance with BN if it intends to cooperate with PH in PRN17. He emphasised that aside from the fallout between GRS and BN Sabah following the 'Langkah Kinabalu' incident, BN has already declared it wants 40 seats, which complicates any potential cooperation. 'This alone makes it difficult for BN to work with GRS, especially when it comes to negotiating seat distribution, because as I said before, GRS must be dominant if others want to cooperate. 'Unlike BN, PH has never declared how many seats they want so far, which indicates there's still room for GRS to negotiate with PH. 'If negotiations (with PH) are successful, we will proceed (with the cooperation), but if they fail, GRS is always ready to go solo in PRN17,' he said. Previously, Sabah Umno Information Chief Datuk Suhaimi Nasir, announced that Umno/BN would contest 40 out of the 73 state legislative assembly (DUN) seats, with the rest allocated to PH in PRN17. However, this was refuted by PH Sabah, which stated that no formal negotiations or decisions had taken place, aside from informal meetings between both parties that did not address seat distribution. * 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
