Kota Kinabalu: Newly appointed Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar outlined an ambitious plan to turn Sabah into a leading food-producing state.
Jamawi is best known for promoting the planting of onion and garlic on available land statewide to the extent that these are now found in Sabah supermarket shelves.
His strategy focuses on sustainable development, boosting local production, reducing import dependency, and engaging all stakeholders, including smallholders, rural farmers, fisheries entrepreneurs, and women in the food industry.
“I want to gather as much input as possible so we can diversify our efforts while shaping the ministry’s vision and mission for the next five years,” he said.
A key priority is improving Sabah’s self-sufficiency, particularly in rice and other crops currently reliant on imports. Jamawi emphasised that strengthening food security requires strategies to boost local production and reduce dependence on imported goods.
The Melalap Assemblyman was sworn in by Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for entrusting him with the ministry.
“InsyaAllah, with the trust placed in me and the dedication of all ministry staff, I am confident we will achieve meaningful progress in this sector over the next five years,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to sustainable development and transformation in Sabah’s agriculture, fisheries, and food industry.
Jamawi pledged sustainable development and transformation in Sabah agriculture.
