Daily Express Subscriber
Sign in to your account.

Tenom: Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (Maffi) Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar has encouraged farmers to adopt compost fertilisers as a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative amid rising global fertiliser prices.

He said the increase in fertiliser costs, driven by global factors including export restrictions by producing countries, has placed pressure on farmers, with local supply also affected by export stoppages from China.

In light of this, Jamawi said switching to compost fertiliser could help farmers reduce operating costs while improving soil fertility naturally.

“The use of compost fertiliser not only reduces costs but also helps improve soil fertility in a more sustainable manner,” he said.

Jamawi said to reporters his Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House he hosted with his wife at the Datuk Seri Panglima Antanom Hall here on Saturday.

At the same time, he assured that the ministry will continue to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure sufficient fertiliser supply and proper distribution.

He also urged farmers to stay in close contact with agricultural, veterinary and fisheries officers in their respective areas to obtain assistance and advisory services.

“We have officers on the ground who are always ready to help resolve issues faced by farmers and operators,” he added.

In a related development, Jamawi expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its decision to maintain the diesel subsidy in Sabah and Sarawak.

He said the move is highly significant given the heavy reliance on diesel-powered vehicles among the people in the state.

“We thank the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for his wisdom in maintaining the diesel subsidy in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We understand that most people in Sabah use diesel vehicles, particularly 4WD vehicles, due to geographical factors, long distances between towns, and road conditions that are not on par with those in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.

In this regard, he hopes that communities in Peninsular Malaysia will understand the differing needs in Sabah and Sarawak.

At the same time, he advised the public to use fuel subsidies wisely and avoid wastage.

“We should make the best use of this facility. If there is any excess, practise saving as it is important for the future. Do not waste,” he said.

As the minister responsible for the agriculture and fisheries sectors, he also reminded operators to be more cautious, especially during the current hot season.

“We advise them to avoid open burning as it can pose fire risks and harm the environment,” he said.

Jamawi said the ministry is working to assist small-scale farmers who have yet to receive fuel subsidies.

“We have discussed with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living so that they can be registered and also benefit from fuel subsidies for use in the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors,” he said.

Meanwhile, about 8,000 residents from Tenom, Kemabong and Melalap attended the open house, which was held in a harmonious atmosphere, reflecting the unity among Sabah’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious communities.

Jamawi said the strong turnout clearly demonstrated the enduring spirit of unity among the people in the state.

He added that Sabah’s uniqueness, with its diverse ethnic and religious communities, remains a key strength in fostering lasting unity and harmony.

“This reflects a spirit of unity in diversity that we must continue to strengthen in the future,” he said.

Also present were Rural Development Minister and Kemabong assemblyman Datuk Rubin Balang; Tenom MP Riduan Rubin; Assistant Minister I of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry and Lumadan assemblyman Datuk Ruslan Muharam; Assistant Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation who is also Tulid assemblyman Jordan Jude Ellron; Melalap Community Leader OKK Tusip Tulas; general managers of MAFFI departments and agencies; as well as local leaders.