Kota kinabalu: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) has estimated damage to the agrofood sector in Sabah due to recent floods to total RM2.2 million. Its minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, stated that the damage assessment is still in the preliminary stages at the technical committee level among related agencies and departments. This assessment will precede the submission of applications for aid from the Agriculture Disaster Fund and the Livestock and Fisheries Disaster Fund to the ministry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, for padi crops, 109 farmers over an area of 113.43 hectares were affected, incurring losses estimated at RM519,963. For crops other than padi, such as pineapples, chilli, and vegetables, 61 farmers covering an area of 78.95 hectares experienced losses estimated at RM748,200. The livestock sector faced significant challenges, with 23 breeders suffering losses amounting to RM504,350 due to damaged infrastructure and the deaths of livestock including ducks and goats. In the fisheries sector, 51 fishermen endured losses of RM208,790, while 58 agriculture entrepreneurs faced losses totaling RM257,000.

Mohamad Sabu also urged farmers and breeders to report flood-related damages if ministry officers did not visit their areas. He highlighted that under Budget 2025, the government allocated RM25 million to his ministry for the Agriculture Disaster Fund. So far, RM15.9 million has been approved and distributed by the Finance Ministry to assist targeted groups impacted by disasters. From this allocation, nine applications have been received from Sabah, specifically from the districts of Penampang, Putatan, Kudat, Beaufort, Ranau, and Tenom, with total aid amounting to RM212,271.

During his visit, Mohamad Sabu presented food baskets to members of the Papar fishermen’s association and visited the family of a Sabah Electricity employee who tragically drowned after being swept away by floodwaters in Keningau.