Sabah to boost food security, modernise agriculture under Maffi’s strategic drive

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 27): The Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi) will continue efforts to strengthen Sabah’s food security and self-sufficiency by progressively reducing reliance on food imports through increased local production.

Maffi Minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said this initiative, identified as the ministry’s first strategic priority, focuses on paddy and rice production, livestock sectors such as cattle and poultry, vegetables and fisheries.

The goal is to ensure price stability, uninterrupted supply, and the welfare of the people.

Speaking at the Minister’s Address Ceremony and the 2026 New Year Celebration at Wisma Pertanian Sabah’s Multipurpose Hall on Monday, Jamawi stressed the importance of enhancing productivity and modernising agriculture and fisheries through reduced dependence on traditional methods.

“The Sabah government has reaffirmed agriculture, fisheries and the food industry as strategic pillars of state development to ensure food security, strengthen economic resilience, and generate income for rural communities,” he said.

Jamawi highlighted the need to accelerate the adoption of smart agriculture, mechanisation, precision farming, and the use of data, technology, and innovation through strategic collaboration with universities and research institutions.

On youth involvement, he said the future of Sabah’s agriculture and fisheries sectors depends greatly on young people.

“These sectors must be positioned as viable, dignified and profitable career paths.

“The state government will continue supporting youth agro-entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and new businesses by improving access to land, financing and technical support,” he added.

Empowering farmers, fishermen and rural communities remains a key focus to increase income and reduce dependence on middlemen.

Jamawi also underscored the importance of good governance, efficient service delivery and high standards of integrity, with zero tolerance for inefficiency or leakages.

Inter-agency cooperation will be strengthened by breaking down silos between departments, federal agencies, government-linked companies, and the private sector through public-private partnerships.

Sustainable agricultural practices, climate-resilient crops and land management will also be promoted to tackle climate change challenges.

Clear key performance indicators (KPIs) will be implemented at departmental, agency and programme-head levels, supported by regular monitoring and reporting, to ensure all initiatives achieve their targets.

In a related development, Jamawi said Maffi will roll out a structured ‘Kitchen Garden Initiative’ across Sabah to encourage households, particularly in rural and interior areas, to engage in crop cultivation, small-scale livestock rearing, and fisheries.

The initiative is expected to boost food security, reduce living cost, and foster self-reliance among grassroots communities.

“The first Kitchen Garden Roadshow Initiative will be launched in Tuaran and officiated by the Chief Minister next month.

“Using a mentor-mentee approach, credible agricultural mentors will guide participants, producing more competent young agro-entrepreneurs exposed to smart farming technology, automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT), in line with Sabah’s agricultural modernisation agenda,” Jamawi explained.

Under the 2026 Budget, Maffi has been allocated RM559.85 million, demonstrating the state government’s commitment to advancing agricultural for the benefit of farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and agro-entrepreneurs.

Also present were Assistant Maffi Ministers Datuk Ruslan Muharam and Datuk Hendrus Anding; and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong.