KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is boosting its 2026 food security agenda with expanded paddy production, biotech research and improved agro-marketing.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the Sabah Rice and Paddy Board will receive RM18 million to strengthen operations and machinery procurement, supporting the State’s goal of reaching 60 percent rice self-sufficiency by 2030.
A Paddy Planting Revolution Programme will be launched across six districts to restore idle fields, modernise equipment and improve irrigation.
The State will also establish the Sabah Agricultural Biotechnology Centre in Tuaran to advance research on high-yield and disease-resistant crops.
To improve market access, the Rural Development Corporation will upgrade 10 Agricultural Collection Centres with a RM1 million allocation.
These efforts are part of RM559.85 million set aside for the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry in 2026, including RM75.75 million in direct support for farmers, fishermen and livestock breeders.
Key crop initiatives include Permanent Food Production Zones in 15 parks expected to yield nearly 1,500 metric tonnes of produce.
Contract farming, livestock development and honey bee projects will continue, alongside the construction of a new processing plant in Keningau.
The fisheries sector receives RM48.26 million for conservation, enforcement, aquaculture expansion and socioeconomic programmes, while the veterinary sector is allocated RM80.73 million to boost livestock productivity.
The Rubber Industry Board will receive RM17.4 million, and RM20 million will continue to support rubber smallholders’ income.
The Irrigation and Drainage Department is allocated RM157.13 million for drainage upgrades, flood mitigation and paddy field rehabilitation.
Masidi said the allocations reflect Sabah’s commitment to a resilient and competitive food production ecosystem to secure long-term food needs.
