By WU VUIDE
PUTRAJAYA: The Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) paid a courtesy call and held a discussion session with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu to strengthen strategic cooperation in the development of the agriculture and fisheries sectors in the state.
Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, who led the delegation, said the meeting focused on efforts to strengthen the state’s food production supply chain, particularly involving paddy, rice, maize, ruminant livestock as well as supporting agricultural infrastructure.
He said among the main agendas discussed was strengthening the development of Sabah’s paddy and rice sector through the role of the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board (LPBS) as the backbone for increasing the state’s rice self-sufficiency level (SSL).
In addition, he said the development of maize cultivation for animal feed was also emphasised to reduce reliance on imported raw materials from overseas.
“Efforts to establish agricultural produce collection centres in several districts were also discussed to facilitate marketing, logistics and supply chain management of local farm produce,” he said.
Jamawi also informed that the construction of new jetties for fishermen in Sandakan and Semporna was among the key focus areas to enhance the welfare and operational efficiency of fishing communities on Sabah’s east coast.
For the ruminant livestock sector, he said it is also planned to be strengthened through technical support, modernisation of farming methods and the provision of more structured supporting facilities.
“Proposals to improve agricultural road infrastructure throughout Sabah were also highlighted to enhance access to farm areas and farming villages, thereby reducing operators’ operational costs,” he said.
He said his ministry appreciated the commitment shown by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Malaysia, including the its Secretary-General and the Deputy Minister, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, in supporting Sabah’s agricultural development agenda.
Jamawi stressed that close cooperation between the State and Federal Governments is the key to ensuring that Sabah’s agriculture, fisheries and food industry sectors remain competitive, sustainable and capable of ensuring the state’s long-term food security.
During the visit, Jamawi was accompanied by Assistant Ministers I and II Datuk Ruslan Muharam and Datuk Hendrus Anding, MAFFI Permanent Secretary Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong, as well as several senior ministry officials.
Jamawi (centre), and MAFFI delegation paying a courtesy visit on Mohamad Sabu.
