PENAMPANG: State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar hopes part of the additional RM1.5 billion interim allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be channelled towards strengthening Sabah’s padi industry.
He said the move is important to improve the State’s rice self-sufficiency level, which currently meets only about 20 per cent of Sabah’s requirements.
“As Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, I am unable to celebrate fully because we must remind our people that the Kaamatan Festival is a celebration of the padi harvest, yet Sabah produces only about 20 per cent of its rice needs.
“There is still much work to be done and many areas that need to be developed and championed in advancing the padi industry,” he said.
Jamawi welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of an additional RM1.5 billion interim allocation pending the finalisation of Sabah’s 40 per cent special grant entitlement.
He said the annual Kaamatan Festival has a close connection with the padi industry, which forms the foundation of the harvest celebration observed by generations of Sabahans.
According to him, efforts to strengthen the padi sector must be given serious attention to ensure the cultural heritage associated with rice cultivation continues to be preserved.
He said increasing local rice production is important not only for food security but also for reducing Sabah’s dependence on imported rice supplies.
“I hope part of the allocation can be utilised for the development of Sabah’s padi industry,” he said when met by reporters after officiating the Traditional Murut Equipment and Food Exhibition at the Murut Traditional House, Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, on Saturday.
Also present were Tenom District Officer Alexander Liew, Murut Traditional House Tenom chairman Stanis Buandi, Melalap Community Development Leader Denesly Justin, Kemabong Assistant District Officer Zakaria Jamal and KDCA Tenom members.
