Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and Sabah CM discuss Optimizing Land Use towards National Food Security

KOTA KINABALU, July 13, 2024 – During a courtesy visit to the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS), Datuk Seri Haji Mohamad Sabu discussed cooperation between MAFS and the Sabah State Government. The aim is to optimize land use for national food security and collaborate on development projects, including strengthening livestock sectors, crop cultivation, and downstream production and marketing activities in the state.

According to MAFS, the Federal Government, through the 2024 Budget, has allocated RM150 million for joint development projects with the State Government. This special budget initiative aims to enhance land utilization and improve agricultural and food product yields.

“Of this amount, MAFS has allocated RM33,593,226.00 to the Sabah State Government, which is the highest allocation compared to other states. The funds under this program were disbursed in stages to the Sabah State Government on April 4, 2024, and May 14, 2024, to ensure successful implementation,” said MAFS.

During the courtesy visit, Mohamad also presented a check for RM33,593,226.00 to Hajiji.

The allocation provided to the Sabah State Government covers seven proposed projects, including integrated ruminant livestock empowerment, the development of 23 Agricultural Collection Centers, the rehabilitation of abandoned rice paddies covering 534.55 hectares, coffee mill construction, and the cultivation of cash crops (such as Chinese yam) across various districts in Sabah. All these projects will be implemented and supervised by the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry (MAFFI) through the Sabah Department of Agriculture (DOA Sabah) and the Sabah Department of Veterinary Services (DVS Sabah).

“Indirectly, this allocation will benefit the people of Sabah by creating more job opportunities and improving socio-economic conditions in line with the targeted self-sufficiency ratio (SSR) outlined in the Agri-Food Policy,” stated MAFS.