Latest news with #SabahPadiandRiceBoard
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Strong Federal-state ties key to advancing Sabah's development agenda, says Hajiji
PENAMPANG: Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Hajiji: Federal-state unity key to Sabah's progress
PENAMPANG: Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here today. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Strong Federal-State ties key to advancing Sabah's development agenda, says Hajiji
Hajiji (second left) witnessing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hitting the gong, symbolising the launch of the Kaamatan Festival. PENAMPANG (May 30): Sabah's development agenda will advance more effectively with strong support and close cooperation between the Federal and state governments, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He expressed confidence that a solid relationship between the two parties would be a catalyst for the successful implementation of the state's development policies. 'This cooperation is vital to ensure the people of Sabah benefit directly,' he said at the 2025 Kaamatan Festival celebration held at the Hongkod Koisaan Hall, Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), here on Friday. The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and attended by Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam and KDCA president Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan. Hajiji also expressed his appreciation to Anwar for officiating the event, describing his presence as a clear sign of the Federal government's commitment to Sabah. He noted that this year's Kaamatan Festival, themed 'Kaamatan Untuk Semua, Kaamatan For All, Kaamatan Montok Toinsanan', marks the 65th official celebration since its formal introduction in 1960. 'Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration, but a symbol of unity and harmony among the people of Sabah, values that must be preserved. It does not belong to any one ethnic group, but to all Sabahans. It reflects the spirit of goodwill and cohesion that underpins the state's stability,' he said. Hajiji further affirmed the state government's continued commitment to strengthening rural socio-economic development through a range of strategic approaches, such as agricultural modernisation, support for small and medium enterprises, and the promotion of community-based tourism. 'These efforts form a critical pillar of our mission to enhance the well-being of the people holistically and inclusively, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan,' he added. He emphasised the importance of expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, through modern agriculture, community-based tourism and skills training to help increase household income and reduce the poverty rate. He highlighted that the reactivation of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board is aimed at enhancing food security through increased local rice self-sufficiency. 'Our target is to achieve 30 percent rice self-sufficiency by next year and 60 percent by 2030. This is a vital step towards reducing import dependency and strengthening local food supply resilience,' he said. —Bernama
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sabah launches padi, rice board to boost food self-sufficiency
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah aims to slash its dependence on imported rice with the launch of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board (SPRB), targeting a 30% food self-sufficiency level (SSL) by next year and 60% by 2030. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the revival of SPRB is part of the state government's broader effort to enhance local food security and reduce reliance on rice imports. "Currently, Sabah can only produce about 22.8% of its local rice demand, resulting in a high dependence on imports to meet it," he said at the launch of SPRB and the Agrobank Padi Cultivation Takaful Scheme (STTP) at the Datuk Musbah Jamli Hall here Saturday (May 10). He said SPRB will take over the development and management of padi from the State Agricultural Department starting this year. "As the regulator for padi development and management, I urge all relevant state agencies to fully cooperate with SPRB," Hajiji added. Hajiji said the state government is also promoting hill padi cultivation as part of its efforts to boost SSL, with an estimated 13,266ha of hill land suitable for padi cultivation, involving 15,617 farmers. "It is estimated that this area has the potential to produce 30,424 metric tonnes of hill rice annually," he said, adding that like Sarawak's famous Bario rice, Sabah has its own premium hill rice varieties, including Adan rice from Long Pasia, Sipitang, as well as from Ranau, Kudat, and Pitas, which have gained popularity locally. To ensure a comprehensive approach to padi development, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also state Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry Minister, said the state government will focus on cultivation in six key districts – Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Tambunan, Keningau, Papar, and Kota Belud. These areas cover a total of 22,218ha, involving 16,018 padi farmers. Hajiji also called on government-linked companies (GLCs) to develop idle land for padi cultivation, assuring that the state government remains committed to increasing local rice production. He also encouraged farmers to take advantage of the Padi Cultivation Takaful Scheme, which covers Malaysian padi farmers aged 18 and above, farming in designated areas, registered under the Federal Government Fertiliser Scheme, and holding an Agrobank account. The launch of SPRB follows calls from activists and political groups in September 2023 to revive the board and boost rice production in the state, with suggestions for collaboration with district offices, advanced machinery, quality seeds, and financial support for farmers to increase productivity. In April 2024, political movements reiterated the call, highlighting Sabah's vast fertile lands and the potential to reduce reliance on imported rice.
Daily Express
10-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah launches padi board to boost local rice production
Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025 Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. KOTA BELUD: The Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) was officially launched to help the State Government reach its target of 30 per cent rice self-sufficiency by 2026 and 60 per cent by 2030. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said LPBS will take over padi development and management from the Agriculture Department, with full cooperation from all relevant state agencies. He said Sabah currently produces only 22.8 per cent of its local rice needs, making the state heavily dependent on imports. Efforts will focus on six key districts with over 22,000 hectares of padi fields, while hill padi cultivation and the use of idle GLC-owned land will also be intensified. Farmers were also encouraged to join the Agrobank Padi Cultivation Takaful Scheme, which offers protection against losses due to natural disasters, pests, and diseases. Hajiji said this in a speech, delivered by Deputy Chief Minister cum Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, at the launching ceremony here. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
