Kota Kinabalu: Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry and Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam shared more than 1.2 tonnes of durians, estimated at 500 to 900 fruits, with media practitioners in the first programme of its kind amid Sabah’s current durian surplus.
The informal “Santai Media Durian” event on Thursday brought together Sabah Department of Broadcasting Malaysia (RTM) staff and media members to enjoy durians, mostly sourced from Ruslan’s own farm in Sipitang.
“The programme is meant to share blessings, strengthen ties, and foster closer cooperation between government agencies and the media,” Ruslan said.
He added that such engagements also build mutual understanding and create a positive impact for both sides.
Separately, Ruslan said the State Government remains committed to reviving neglected durian farming areas, including small-scale orchards in rural villages, as part of efforts to boost farmers’ income and maximise the potential of Sabah’s local fruit produce.
“The government sees great potential in village durian areas that are not fully utilised, including in Lumadan and other settlements where there are small numbers of durian trees.
“Many villages have durian and other local fruits, but the harvest has not been fully developed as a source of income. The government is ready to help revitalise these areas,” he said.
He said the immediate steps would involve assistance from relevant agencies, focusing on agricultural skills, proper fertilisation and appropriate pest control to improve yield and fruit quality.
“These efforts are expected to directly benefit farmers through increased production, while also helping to stabilise the supply of local fruits in the market,” he added.
Ruslan said initiatives such as the durian-sharing programme also serve as platforms to strengthen cooperation between government agencies and rural farming communities, while promoting appreciation for locally grown produce.
