Kota Kinabalu: The State Government continues to focus on strengthening the food and agro sectors through a more modern, integrated and innovation-driven approach to ensure food security in Sabah.
Head of State Tun Musa Aman said the agricultural sector would continue to be modernised through various strategic initiatives, including the Padi Revolution Programme and biotechnology development.
These efforts are vital in increasing the efficiency and quality of the State’s agricultural output, he said.
“In the effort to increase food security, the agricultural sector will continue to be modernised. Focus will be given to the implementation of the Padi Revolution Programme and biotechnology development to enhance production efficiency and quality,” he said in his policy speech when opening the first term of the 17th State Legislative Assembly sitting, here, Thursday.
Musa said research and development activities would also be intensified, including the creation of new varieties and high-quality planting materials.
He added that the State Government had introduced the Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution (RAER) Initiative 2025–2030 as a strategic step to strengthen food security and stimulate the rural economy.
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Among the new programmes under this initiative is the Kitchen Garden Programme, which encourages agricultural production at household level.
“A new programme under RAER is the Kitchen Garden Programme, introduced to encourage agricultural production at the household level by utilising space in residential areas,” he said.
He said the initiative not only helps reduce the cost of living but also fosters a culture of farming within the community.
Meanwhile, Musa said the plantation sector, particularly palm oil, remains the main backbone of the State’s economic growth.
He said the Government would continue to cooperate with industry players and smallholders to increase productivity through modern technology and innovation.
“To ensure this industry remains sustainable and resilient, the State Government, along with industry stakeholders and smallholders, will continue to enhance productivity through innovation, mechanisation, precision farming technology and the optimum use of biomass,” he said.
In the fisheries sector, he said a Blue Economy-based approach would continue to be prioritised to ensure sustainable production.
He said various development and support programmes, including the empowerment of departmental facilities, strengthening downstream industries and conservation efforts, would be implemented to ensure sustainable fisheries output.
He added that jetty facilities at the Safma Fisheries Complex would be expanded to accommodate increased fish landings.
“Jetty facilities at Safma Fisheries Complex will also be added with the goal of accommodating an increase of over 20 per cent in fish landings in the State,” he said.
On the livestock sector, Musa said the State’s livestock industry ecosystem would continue to be strengthened in line with the National Agro-Food Policy 2.0 and relevant departmental strategic plans.
He said the focus is on increasing the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) of ruminants, ensuring food safety, and strengthening animal health systems.
“Focus is being given to increasing the self-sufficiency rate (SSR) of ruminants, food safety guarantees and the strengthening of animal health systems across the State,” he said.
He stressed that the comprehensive strengthening of the agricultural and agro sectors would serve as an essential foundation in ensuring food supply stability and the wellbeing of the people in Sabah.
