Kota kinabalu: The Sabah government is providing interest-free loan facilities of up to RM50,000 for youths to start agriculture ventures, as part of the Kebun Dapur Initiative, which aims to strengthen food security in the state. Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the loans, made available through Sabah Credit Corporation (PPS), are specifically targeted at youths who wish to venture into agricultural activities, empowering them as new drivers of the state's agro-food sector.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative also aims to help increase the income of young agro-entrepreneurs while reducing the state's dependence on external food sources. Jamawi stated that the programme is being empowered through the Kebun Dapur Initiative, which serves as the main platform to improve the socio-economic standing of farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen. The initiative focuses on sustainable agricultural production by utilising spaces around residential areas such as home compounds and open spaces, and by using recycled materials.
Jamawi mentioned that this approach would not only help to reduce households' daily living costs but would also create opportunities to generate income through the sale of surplus produce. The government has also established approximately 18 agricultural produce collection centres throughout Sabah to facilitate Kebun Dapur participants in marketing their produce more efficiently.
Meanwhile, Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang announced that the proposed construction of the new Kota Belud District Office is currently at the design stage, with implementation progress at approximately 30 percent. A briefing on the project's design was conducted by the Public Works Department (JKR) for the Kota Belud District Office on April 13. The construction is expected to commence in January 2027 with a duration of 30 months, and the project is projected to be completed in June 2029 with a ceiling allocation of RM13 million.
Additionally, Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib reported that for 2026, repair and upgrading works for a total of 20 schools under the dilapidated building category of 'scale 7' are currently underway, involving a total cost of RM1.47 billion. The Sabah State Education Department (JPNS) had received RM94.7 million for these repairs and upgrades as of April 28 this year. An allocation of RM11.55 million was channelled in 2025 for the reconstruction of 13 dilapidated school buildings under the 'scale 6' category.
Ratib highlighted that Sabah's geographical factors, including its interior and island areas, pose significant challenges in terms of cost and logistics for the implementation of these projects. Therefore, a phased and targeted development approach is being carried out to ensure effectiveness and optimal impact on pupils and the school community.