By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has agreed that the 2026 State-level Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNS) celebration should also be held in the districts.
This would move the celebration beyond Kota Kinabalu, as the government wants to bring the programme closer to the people and benefit local farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and traders.
He gave the nod when receiving a courtesy call from the HPPNS 2026 main committee led by its deputy chairman and Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister (MAFFI), Datuk Ruslan Muharam, at Menara Kinabalu.
Also present was MAFFI Permanent Secretary Datuk Jifrin Mohamad.
Ruslan said Hajiji had been invited to officiate at the HPPNS 2026 celebration, scheduled to be held in Tenom from Oct 23 to 25, with the official opening ceremony on Oct 24.
HPPNS 2026 is expected to attract about 20,000 visitors.
“The Chief Minister agrees that the HPPNS celebration should be brought to the districts as this approach provides opportunities for local traders, while making it easier for farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen to bring their produce for exhibition and sale,” said Ruslan.
He said holding HPPNS in the districts would allow local communities to visit the event and help stimulate economic and business activities in the areas concerned.
He said holding the event in Tenom would pave the way for HPPNS to be hosted on a rotational basis in other districts in the future.
The event will also recognise successful agricultural entrepreneurs, livestock breeders and fishermen through various awards.
Hajiji (right), and Ruslan during the courtesy call.
