By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government remains committed to ensuring the agriculture sector continues to be a key driver of growth and a catalyst for a more dynamic and resilient Sabah economy.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the agriculture sector is not only the third-largest contributor to the state’s economy but also plays a critical role in ensuring the country’s food security.
“This sector contributes RM12.2 billion or 14.5 per cent to Sabah’s gross domestic product (GDP).
“Therefore, the State Government prioritises strengthening this sector through more strategic and inclusive approaches,” he said at the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNK) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the closing of HPPNK 2025. Also present were Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, and his Deputy Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup as well as state and federal leaders.
Hajiji said Sabah, being rich in fertile land and having a tropical climate ideal for agriculture, is taking bold steps to support the national food security agenda.
Among the concrete measures, he said, was the re-establishment of the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board last year which was dissolved in 1981 to strengthen the local paddy industry and increase the self-sufficiency level (SSL) of rice to 30 per cent by 2026 and 60 per cent by 2030.
“This move aligns with the Federal Government’s priorities under Anwar’s leadership, which places emphasis on the importance of the agricultural sector, particularly paddy cultivation and local rice production,” he said.
In line with the transformation of the national agri-food sector, Hajiji underscored the importance of adopting modern technology such as the internet of things (IoT) and smart farming to boost production efficiency, increase productivity and attract youth interest.
He said Sabah currently has 15 permanent food production parks (TKPM), which have collectively produced more than 1,494 metric tonnes of food and generated returns exceeding RM4.32 million to date.
Hajiji also announced the state’s first high-impact strategic investment in the Blue Economy sector the development of a European Union-standard tuna and deep-sea fish landing port in Kota Kinabalu by the State Government in partnership with a local company, with an investment value of RM360 million.
He said the port is expected to land 50,000 tonnes of tuna annually, with the potential to generate up to RM1.8 billion in economic value per year, positioning Sabah as one of the major players in the deep-sea fisheries industry.
Hajiji also urged the farming, livestock and fishing communities in Sabah to be more open to change and to embrace new technologies in modern agricultural practices and farm management.
“We want these communities to become progressive and competitive players. The future of this sector depends on their ability to innovate and adapt to the evolving landscape of modern agriculture.
“We also want this sector to continue advancing, generating income for the people and serving as the backbone of food security and national well-being,” he said.
