PAPAR: A total of RM559.85 million has been allocated this year to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi) to enhance food security and the State Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) in Sabah, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He said the government has implemented and is continuing various initiatives, including the establishment of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board and the development of padi fields statewide, including in Papar and surrounding districts such as Membakut, Beaufort and Kuala Penyu.
“In line with the spirit of the Kaamatan Festival, which values harvest, the agriculture sector remains one of the three main pillars driving the state’s economic growth under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Development Plan (SMJ 2.0).”
“This reflects the State Government’s commitment to ensuring strong food security, especially amid current global economic and geopolitical uncertainties,” he said at the State-level Pesta Kaamatan launch at Dewan Masyarakat.
He also urged the public to support local products, particularly Sabah’s agricultural produce, to strengthen the domestic economy.
“The progress we enjoy today would be meaningless without the unity and strong cooperation among the people of various races and religions in this state.”
“Therefore, I call on all Sabahans to continue working hand in hand with the government in realising every agenda, especially the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 direction,” he said.
Hajiji said the government would continue implementing assistance initiatives to improve living standards and socio-economic conditions, including in education, human capital and public well-being.
He added that inclusive and balanced development remains a priority to ensure all segments of society benefit from the state’s prosperity.
He said Papar has seen encouraging changes through ongoing infrastructure and commercial projects, with further potential growth expected upon the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, alongside a RM1 million allocation announced for a roofed futsal court with a grandstand in the district.
