By WU VUIDE
PUTATAN: The Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry plans to develop Putatan into an annual durian town as well as a hub for community agricultural activities through the implementation of the kitchen garden programme.
Its Minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said although Putatan is not a durian cultivation area, but with activities like this, it has already become a place where people in urban areas can enjoy durians free of charge,” he said.
He added that the durian season is expected to begin in October this year, and that he personally plans to sponsor more durians for the programme next year.
He was speaking at the opening of the Putatan Farmers’ Open Day and the People’s Durian Festival, organised for the second time by the Putatan Area Farmers’ Organisation.
Jamawi explained that the kitchen garden programme aims to bring agriculture and fisheries closer to the people by providing opportunities for community participation, even for those without their own land.
The programme offers various packages, including chicks, ducklings, goat kids, prawns, crabs, as well as tilapia and catfish fingerlings.
“This programme not only brings the people closer to agricultural activities, but also supports food security and improves community health,” he added.
He also called on the executive officers of the Putatan District Council to identify vacant or underutilised land to be developed together with the community. Residents will be guided in farming activities during weekends with their families, encouraging collective agricultural efforts.
The official launch of the Kebun Dapur programme is scheduled for early February, with Tuaran selected as the first location, while Putatan will be the second following strong local response. All agencies under the ministry, at both state and federal levels, will be involved to ensure maximum public participation.
In addition to driving agricultural activities, Putatan is also targeted to become a centre for youth engagement through positive activities.
“This is not only a place for farmers to work the land, but also an opportunity for youths to fill their free time with meaningful activities,” Jamawi said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Putatan Area Farmers’ Organisation and the Farmers’ Board of Directors for their continued commitment in organising programmes that benefit the community.
The opening ceremony was enlivened by the serving of local durians, enjoyed by all attendees.
Jamawi expressed hope that Putatan will continue to be recognised as a centre for local fruits, particularly durians, for the community to enjoy every year.
Earlier, Jamawi held a meeting at Wisma Pertanian with 23 youths actively involved in agriculture, livestock farming, fisheries and the food industry, who will participate in the Mentor–Mentee programme during the upcoming Kebun Dapur Roadshow.
Also present were Putatan Member of Parliament Datuk Shahelmey Yahya; Petagas Assemblyman Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Datuk Awang Sahari; Tanjung Keramat Assemblyman Shah Alfie Yahya; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong; and Putatan Farmers’ Board of Directors Chairman and Organising Chairman Dato Seri Arsit Sedi.
Jamawi (centre), with guests attending the durian festival.
