By WU VUIDE
PAPAR: The Malaysian Good Agricultural Practice Scheme (MyGAP) should be expanded among local producers to ensure food safety and enhance product value, said Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
He said this follows the success of Owan’s Farm in Kampung Buang Sayang, a fertigation and hydroponic producer, in obtaining MyGAP certification.
He said the achievement should serve as an example for other producers and be used as a benchmark for farmers in Sabah.
The certification, he said, proves that agricultural produce meets strict requirements, including minimal use of chemicals and environmentally friendly practices.
“This means the produce from this farm complies with good agricultural practices, including controlled use of chemicals, is more environmentally friendly and safe for consumption,” he said during a visit to the farm.
“This is what we need to develop further. We also need to educate the public to choose food sources that have been certified by the Department of Agriculture,” he said.
He said the initiative is important in building consumer awareness on the importance of food quality and safety.
“It is a continuous process to educate society to better appreciate quality and premium agricultural produce,” he said.
Jamawi said his ministry would continue to support local producers, including those in the hydroponic and fertigation sectors.
“I am planning to bring together more hydroponic and fertigation practitioners and entrepreneurs in Sabah for engagement sessions,” he said.
He said the approach could help farmers market their produce at better prices compared with traditional methods.
Meanwhile, he said biosecurity measures are being further strengthened to protect the local agricultural industry.
“We have tightened biosecurity enforcement, particularly on imported agricultural products,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that smuggling of agricultural products still occurs, affecting the local market.
“There is an influx of imported agricultural produce at low prices which affects the income of local farmers,” he said.
He said there is a need for closer cooperation among enforcement agencies.
“We need to work with Customs, relevant agencies, the General Operations Force, Marine Police and the police to curb this issue,” he said.
Jamawi said such coordinated efforts are essential to ensure food quality is safeguarded while protecting the income of local farmers in Sabah.
Also present were Owan’s Farm chairman Datuk Awang Buhtaman Awang Mahmun, MAFFI first permanent secretary Awang Dzulkernain Awang Hassan, and Agriculture Department deputy director Jackson R. Jaimi.
Jamawi (right), during the visit to Owan’s Farm.
