LOCAL NEWS
May-June. 2026 | @ AGROBiz
LOCAL NEWS
05
Strengthening Sabah ' s agricultural growth
FOOD security and agricultural development remain a key focus for the Sabah government this year, following the allocation of RM559.85 million to the State ' s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Security( MAFFI).
Chief Minister Hajiji Noor said the funding would support ongoing efforts to improve Sabah ' s food self-sufficiency rate( SSR), including expanding padi cultivation areas across several districts.
" In line with the spirit of the Kaamatan Festival, which values
A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE: Hajiji Noor( centre) during the Kaamatan Festival which celebrates Sabah ' s harvest tradition and the importance of the agriculture sector to the state economy.
the harvest, the agriculture sector remains one of the three main pillars that drive the state ' s economic growth," he said during the launch of Sabah ' s Kaamatan Festival.
According to Hajiji, the State government remains focused on ensuring a stable food supply and production capacity amid current global economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
" The progress we have achieved today will not be meaningful without strong unity and cooperation among the people of various races and religions in this state," he said, while calling on Sabahans to support the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 agenda.
Apart from agriculture, he said the government would continue implementing programmes aimed at improving socio-economic wellbeing, including initiatives involving education, human capital development and public welfare assistance.
" This is to ensure inclusive and balanced development throughout the State, so that every level of society can enjoy the prosperity achieved," he said.
Hajiji said Papar was chosen as the venue for the Kaamatan Festival launch due to its status as one of Sabah ' s important padi-producing districts and its strong multicultural identity.
He also highlighted ongoing infrastructure and commercial developments in areas such as Benoni and Kinarut, noting that the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway could position Papar as a strategic stopover destination for visitors travelling from Brunei and Sarawak.
The Chief Minister also announced a RM1 million allocation for the construction of a covered futsal court complete with a grandstand in Papar.
Agro initiative reaches military camps
THE Ministry of Defence( MINDEF) has allocated RM10 million this year to expand further the Malaysian Armed Forces( MAF) Ekonomi MADANI Programme, which focuses on strengthening income-generating activities and economic resilience among military families.
Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the allocation would fund 156 projects across 90 military camps, with participation expected from 2,235 members of the Armed Forces Family Welfare Association( BAKAT).
He said the programme was introduced last year as part of efforts to strengthen the economic resilience of armed forces personnel and their families amid rising living costs and economic pressures.
" This is to ensure that when they face economic challenges or higher living costs, they are better able to manage them," he said after launching the programme at Kem Batu 3.
Last year, the initiative involved 96 projects implemented in 60 military camps with the same RM10 million allocations, benefiting 1,265 BAKAT members through collaborations with 20 public universities.
Mohamed Khaled said the project focuses on agriculture, food production and sustainable farming activities that could generate additional household income for military families.
Among the projects introduced under the programme are stingless bee honey production, oyster mushroom cultivation, urban mushroom farming, Bentong ginger planting, smart zero-carbon hydroponics, vegetable fertigation, aquaponics and retort food processing.
Also present at the launch was Zulhelmy Ithnain, who is currently serving as acting Chief of Defence Forces.
Mohamed Khaled described the initiative as part of MINDEF ' s broader strategy to improve the wellbeing of armed forces personnel in line with
MILITARY WELFARE: Mohamed Khaled Nordin pictured during the launch of the MAF Ekonomi MADANI Programme, an initiative aimed at improving the wellbeing and economic sustainability of military communities.
the ministry ' s Sixth Focus for 2026 and the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030.
He added that some of the products produced through the programme would be purchased by a company linked to the Boustead Group, helping provide market access and support the long-term sustainability of the projects.- @ AGROBiz