Tawau: The Road to National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) programme in Sabah this year serves as an ideal platform to foster closer ties between the government and the agro-community in the state. Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said farmers, breeders, and fishermen in Sabah are vital pillars of the nation’s food security and deserve recognition for their contributions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme celebrates those who have contributed to the country’s agro-food sector. It also aims to bridge the gap between the government and stakeholders, industry players, producers, and entrepreneurs to strengthen the sector. Arthur noted the encouraging response to the two-day Road to HPPNK programme, targeting 20,000 visitors, a goal he believes will be easily achieved.
He shared these insights after officiating at the Road to HPPNK @ Tawau programme, organized by the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) at the Tawau Municipal Council. The event features 12 Agro MADANI sales booths, 40 entrepreneur booths, and seven exhibitor booths, with a target of RM100,000 in business transactions.
Arthur mentioned that a similar programme will be held in Sook, Keningau from July 18 to 20, ahead of the main HPPNK 2025 event, scheduled at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu from Aug 1 to 3. He highlighted the agro-food sector’s contribution of about seven to 10 per cent to Sabah’s gross domestic product annually.
Sabah contributes significantly to the country’s fisheries sector, accounting for 14.5 per cent of marine landings and 45.6 per cent of national aquaculture output. The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has allocated RM86.66 million to Sabah this year for 42 agriculture, fisheries, and livestock development projects.
Arthur detailed various initiatives supporting the agro-community, including cost-of-living allowances for 7,496 fishermen through LKIM. The diesel and petrol subsidy scheme benefits 5,600 fishermen in Sabah with subsidized fuel at RM1.65 per litre. Additionally, RM2 million has been allocated under the Fishermen’s Housing Special Project, including RM300,000 in Tawau for 15 families.
The Fishermen’s Natural Disaster and Welfare Fund has assisted 74 fishermen in Sabah as of May 2025. At the event, Arthur flagged off the Road to HPPNK 2025 motorcycle convoy, which will tour several districts in Sabah before concluding at SICC. Visitors to the programme in Tawau can enjoy various activities, including a fun run, e-sports competitions, and the Tawau Idol contest.