TAMBUNAN: The Keningau parliamentary constituency, which includes Tambunan, Bingkor and Liawan, has the potential to become one of Sabah’s key agricultural hubs through a series of strategic initiatives aimed at narrowing the economic gap between rural and urban communities.
Sawit Kinabalu and Borneo Samudera Deputy Chairman Datuk Victor P. Paut said this aspiration is achievable through several identified initiatives to ensure the area continues to grow economically, infrastructurally and in terms of community well-being.
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“We want all areas in the interior to progress on par with other parts of Sabah. Development cannot be concentrated only in towns but must be enjoyed by all people regardless of location.
“The agricultural sector remains the backbone of the local economy and holds great potential for further expansion to raise incomes, particularly among farmers,” he said after officiating the closing ceremony of the Tambunan District Schools Sports Council 2026 here on June 12.
Victor, who is also Tambunan Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah Division chief, said strengthening irrigation systems, particularly in paddy-growing areas, is among the priorities requiring immediate attention to boost productivity and output.
He noted that some areas are currently able to manage only one paddy harvest per year due to irrigation constraints, whereas improved facilities could enable up to two harvests annually.
“When output can be increased to two seasons a year, it not only helps raise farmer incomes but also contributes to local economic growth, strengthens Sabah’s paddy self-sufficiency level, supports the agrofood sector and helps secure future food supply,” he said.
Victor added that he has consistently supported efforts to empower the agricultural sector in the area, including various economic development and entrepreneurship programmes in Tambunan aimed at raising incomes, particularly among youth.
Among the active initiatives are courses, training and skills-upgrading programmes targeting young people to expose them to technology, modern farming practices and income-generating opportunities.
“We want youths to see the agricultural sector as a field with a future. That is why various courses and training have been organised to build their knowledge, skills and confidence to enter agriculture and entrepreneurship.
“Through programmes like these, they not only gain new knowledge and experience but also have the opportunity to improve their own and their families’ economic standing and, in turn, contribute to local economic development,” he said.
