By WU VUIDE
TENOM: The Sabah Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNS) 2026 hit its RM1 million sales target, drawing about 30,000 visitors over three days at Padang Pekan.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the event also provided an opportunity to gather feedback from the ground.
“We listened to farmers, breeders, fishermen and rubber smallholders – those who have succeeded and those who have not,” he said during the closing ceremony on Sunday.
He said his ministry would bring the feedback to discussions with the Federal Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to improve programmes at ministry, department and agency levels.
The livestock auction drew keen bidding. A pair of Brahman Cross cattle imported from Australia, with a starting price of RM3,300, sold for RM7,700.
About 16 goats were also auctioned. Eight-month-old goats fetched an average of RM1,200, compared with the usual RM800 to RM900.
“If managed properly, livestock farming can provide a good income,” Jamawi said.
He said most of the 270 traders at booths operated by the ministry, Tenom District Council and Tenom coffee industry players recorded at least RM5,000 in sales.
The top traders recorded RM30,000, while others made RM25,000, RM15,000 and RM10,000.
He urged young people to enter the agro-food sector, which he said offered strong income potential, especially in rural areas.
On food security, he said the ministry would continue working to raise Sabah’s self-sufficiency level.
An estimated 30,000 visitors attended the three-day event, while live broadcasts drew 500,000 to 600,000 views.
Earlier, Jamawi met 100 participants and officiated at the Tenom Town Autoshow 2026 at the Tenom Sports Complex.
Jamawi conducting a livestock auction.
