By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar commended Koperasi Pembangunan Desa (KPD) for surpassing its sales target set for 2025.
“The sales target for this year was RM99.8 million in total revenue from KPD’s agricultural products. However, as of November, they have already achieved RM99.9 million, representing an increase of about RM1 million, which is a very commendable achievement.
“For next year, the target is RM100 million, with a further RM1 million increase thereafter,” he said.
Jamawi said KPD had also contributed RM7 million to the State Government this year, a contribution that has been consistent since 2019.
“From 2019 to 2025, KPD has contributed a total of approximately RM90 million, with RM7 million paid annually to the State Government,” he said.
“This sends a strong signal to the wider community that the agricultural sector can be a profitable business field if it is managed systematically and properly,” he said after inspecting KPD Avenue and being briefed on KPD’s overall operations and performance throughout 2025.
He also met with traders, wholesalers and entrepreneurs at the site, and officiated the opening of the Signal Seafood Steamboat restaurant.
Jamawi said operators at KPD Avenue expressed satisfaction with the rental rates set, which have helped increase their respective incomes.
“KPD also has long-term plans ahead, which are still ongoing. As the Minister responsible, I will continue to support, facilitate and act as a bridge for KPD to generate greater returns from the agricultural modernisation initiatives introduced by the cooperative,” he said.
In terms of increasing sales at KPD Avenue, Jamawi said more promotion was needed.
“I will continue to conduct site visits, and today I also recorded a video to promote this area so that wholesalers and retailers are more aware of it,” he said.
He said the wholesale market operates from 3am to 6am, followed by the daily market from 6am to 3pm, while evening activities and the food court operate at night, making the area active throughout the day.
“I will continue to return to assess how I can assist these agencies. One way I support them is through the use of my own social media platforms to promote their names and activities,” he said.
As an example, Jamawi cited recent upgrades at Sabah Fish Marketing Sdn Bhd (SAFMA), which received very positive feedback from customers and wholesalers who requested further improvements.
“I directly instructed the SAFMA management to implement enhancements, which resulted in increased sales and higher customer traffic. More young people are now participating as wholesalers, selling fish in places such as Kota Belud, Ranau, Penampang and Tuaran,” he said.
“This has created a business chain that benefits the entire community. Therefore, I am very satisfied with KPD, as they have established between 10 and 12 collection and sales centres for agricultural produce, ensuring continuity in the agricultural supply chain,” he said.
Looking ahead, Jamawi said he plans to introduce the kitchen garden initiative next year to encourage communities to grow food around their homes.
The programme is intended primarily for household food needs, but any surplus produce will be collected at designated agricultural collection centres and distributed through established outlets, he said.
Also present were Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Leonard Poyong, Assistant Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam, KPD General Manager Jamilah Lee and other officers.
Jamawi (second right), interacting with a vendor at KPD Avenue.
