TELUPID: The Telupid Red Durian Planting Campaign 2026 was launched to strengthen the local agricultural industry while boosting the economy of the residents in the district through the cultivation of red durian, better known as “Maraang”.
The campaign was conceptualised by State Assistant Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jonnybone J Kurum, who is also Telupid Assemblyman.
“The initiative was sparked by the massive potential and high demand for red durian, which is now considered a premium durian variety with a market value that increases year on year.
“Aside from holding high commercial value, this effort is also seen as capable of helping to increase agricultural yield and the income of selected participants,” he told the media after officiating the Telupid District-level Kaamatan Festival Celebration 2026 at Telupid District Council hall.
Jonnybone said red durian is also synonymous with the Telupid area as well as several other districts on the East Coast of Sabah, including Tongod, Kinabatangan and Lahad Datu, as the crop is widely cultivated in these areas.
As part of the campaign’s implementation, red durian saplings will be distributed on a “one-off” basis to Telupid residents.
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A symbolic handover ceremony of the saplings was performed by Jonnybone to representatives of several sub-districts (mukims) in the area, including Mukim Nangoh, Mukim Sapi, Mukim Liwagu, Mukim Pekan and Mukim Ulu Labuk.
Among the recipients were Silvestre Amat, Levi Phillip, Yitro Jimmy, Emmilianus J Kurum and Alphonsus Idol, each representing their respective area.
The campaign is expected to be a key effort in expanding red durian cultivation in Telupid, in addition to opening up new economic opportunities for local residents through the agri-food and high-value agriculture sectors.
