Kota kinabalu: The Sabah government has allocated RM559.85 million to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) this year to strengthen food security and improve the state's Self-Sufficiency Rate (SSR) for key food commodities. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor emphasized the significance of this allocation, highlighting the state's commitment to prioritizing food security as a crucial agenda item at both global and national levels.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chief Minister Hajiji Noor stated that the agriculture, fisheries, and food industry sectors remain fundamental to Sabah's socio-economic development. He made these remarks during the launch of the 'Jelajah Kebun Dapur MAFFI' programme. The event was also attended by MAFFI Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, Assistant Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam, and Tuaran Member of Parliament Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau.
Hajiji detailed several initiatives being implemented by the Sabah Agriculture Department, including the development of Permanent Food Crop Production Zones at 15 Permanent Food Production Parks (TKPM) throughout the state. Additionally, RM3 million has been allocated to the Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) for operational expenses, with a further RM15 million designated for the procurement of padi harvesting and ploughing machinery. These measures aim to position Sabah as a sustainable and competitive producer of padi and rice, targeting a 60 per cent Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) by 2030.
However, Hajiji underscored that ensuring food security should not rest solely on large-scale farms or mega projects. He emphasized the importance of grassroots involvement, introducing the 'Jelajah Kebun Dapur MAFFI' programme under the Rural Economic Revolution as a strategic measure to help reduce living costs and promote a more self-reliant and sustainable community. The programme is set to be implemented throughout Sabah, reaching urban, rural, and interior areas equally.
Hajiji expressed his desire for Tuaran to become a model district for the programme, integrating this initiative into the community's way of life. The programme will use a mentor-mentee approach, pairing successful entrepreneurs with local communities to facilitate the ongoing transfer of knowledge and agricultural best practices.