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Tenom: The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar has urged all parties—especially farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen—to heighten their preparedness in light of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to persist until July.

He said a report from the Sabah Meteorological Department indicates that the hot and dry weather caused by the phenomenon could have significant impacts on the state’s agriculture and food industry sectors.

“In these hot conditions, I call on the agricultural community, livestock breeders, fishermen, and food industry players to be more cautious.

“Avoid open burning and refrain from clearing new land for the time being, as the risk of fires and declining yields is high,” he said when met by the media during a Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House hosted by him—who is also the Melalap State Assemblyman—together with his wife at Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Antanom, here. 

Jamawi assured that his ministry is always ready to assist affected groups throughout the El Niño period.

He said farmers and food industry operators facing difficulties can directly contact agricultural officers at the district level for assistance and advice.

“If necessary, the matter can be brought to the ministry level, and I am personally ready to look into their needs to ensure their welfare and livelihoods remain protected,” he said.

Additionally, Jamawi said the weather phenomenon is also expected to affect fertilizer supply, potentially increasing production costs.

He noted that a large portion of the country’s fertilizer supply depends on imports, including from China and countries involved in global conflicts.

“When exports of key fertilizer materials such as urea are reduced, it will lead to higher prices in the local market,” he said.

In this regard, he encouraged farmers to switch to organic fertilizers as an alternative to reduce costs.

He added that the Sabah Department of Agriculture has implemented various training programmess to help farmers produce their own fertilizers from plant and food waste.

“I will continue to go to the ground and educate farmers, including through a special program with entrepreneurs on 12 April in Karambunai.

“This is important to ensure crop yields remain good despite the challenges of extreme weather,” he said.