Pekan Pagalungan:Kota Kinabalu A total of 40 villages in the Pagalungan area of Nabawan have received fruit tree saplings to boost local agricultural activities, aligning with the Greening Malaysia programme. This initiative aims to enhance the agricultural economy of the region.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the contribution, which includes durian, jackfruit, and rambutan saplings, was distributed during the launch of a public awareness programme held in conjunction with the greening campaign at Pekan Pagalungan. The event was attended by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

The minister highlighted the unique features of the Pensiangan parliamentary constituency, noting that about 85 percent of the area is covered by forests. This makes the constituency a significant contributor to balancing climate change efforts while serving as an example of balancing infrastructure development with environmental preservation.

Arthur Joseph Kurup stated that the distribution of fruit tree saplings is intended to generate economic opportunities for rural communities and sustainably increase the income of rural residents. He also remarked on the development progress in Sapulut, Pagalungan, and Pensiangan, citing road upgrades and the construction of a coffee factory as key developments.

The local retail sector has seen improvements through the upgrading of traditional market facilities, benefiting small traders. Enhanced road connectivity has also facilitated logistics, transportation, and community program implementation, opening new economic opportunities.

Several government departments and agencies involved in the forestry sector provided briefings on environmental management to strengthen efforts to preserve the country's natural heritage. Additionally, Arthur distributed over 100 food baskets to those in need to help ease the cost of living for vulnerable families.