KOTA KINABALU: Assistant Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam urged the public to turn unused land into farms as a long-term strategy to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on external supplies amid global uncertainties.
He encouraged planting crops like rice, cassava, fruits and vegetables, saying the move could ease household costs and generate extra income while supporting state resilience.
He assured that Sabah’s food supply, especially rice, remains stable and there is no need for panic buying.
The initiative, backed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry, is part of broader efforts to promote self-sufficiency and community farming.
Ruslan was met at the PBS Hari Raya open house at Hakka Hall here on Tuesday.