BELURAN: Sabah Assistant Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Jonnybone J Kurum urged farmers and fishermen in Beluran to treat agriculture not only as a source of income but also as a sustainable food supply, as the country prepares for possible future disruptions to global food chains.
He said early preparations were important amid ongoing global economic uncertainty and geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, which could affect international food supply systems.
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According to him, Beluran – whose population largely comprises farmers and fishermen – has strong potential to contribute towards strengthening food security at the district level.
“I encourage the community to make agriculture a business as well as a source of supply under food security. We want supplies to always be sufficient to face any eventuality in the future,” he told reporters after officiating the 2026 Beluran District Kaamatan Festival celebration, last Saturday.
Jonnybone said the government, through agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Veterinary Services, is prepared to assist farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen.
He said various forms of assistance and allocations are available, especially for cash crops and short-term agricultural projects under the relevant ministries.
“We have guidance agencies under the ministry as well as entrepreneurship courses to help the community access information and government assistance.
“I understand there are indeed allocations to help farmers, breeders and fishermen, especially for short-term crops under the relevant ministries,” he said.
He also encouraged those interested in agriculture to approach district-level government agencies for further information on available assistance and programmes.
On the Kaamatan celebration, Jonnybone praised the organisation of the 2026 Beluran District Kaamatan Festival, describing it as modest but lively.
He said the event demonstrated how community programmes could still be successfully organised through cooperation among various parties despite economic pressures and global uncertainties.
“Although we are facing various crises, including the effects of the global economy and food supply chain issues, programmes like this can still be carried out well through the cooperation of all parties,” he said.
