Datuk Jamawi Jaafar
KOTA KINABALU (Dec 17): A total of RM559.85 million has been approved for the development of Sabah’s agriculture sector under the 2026 State Budget, underscoring the sector’s crucial role in driving the state’s economy and ensuring food security, said State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
Of the total allocation, RM416.76 million is for supply expenditure, while RM143.09 million is earmarked for development expenditure, he said when winding up for his ministerial debate at the State Legislative Assembly here.
“This substantial allocation clearly demonstrates that the agriculture sector remains one of the main contributors to Sabah’s Gross Domestic Product, accounting for 14.5 per cent or RM12.2 billion based on the latest 2025 data.
“It also has strong potential to further boost the state’s economic growth while safeguarding food supply and food security,” he said.
Jamawi also announced a new initiative aimed at strengthening food security through an enhanced ‘Kebun Dapur’ (kitchen garden) programme.
“The proposed initiative to empower the Kebun Dapur programme is expected to increase agricultural output and encourage wider community participation across all segments of society to venture into agriculture, in line with our food security aspirations,” he said.
He explained that the kitchen garden concept focuses on small-scale crop production, fisheries and livestock activities, subject to land suitability and household capacity.
This approach enables households to be more self-reliant in obtaining basic food sources, including protein, while supporting continuous food supply and security.
Jamawi said the implementation of the Kebun Dapur initiative will involve elected representatives in their respective constituencies to ensure inclusive participation statewide.
“Coordination at every level must be carried out in a more structured manner and aligned with the actual needs of local communities to ensure meaningful impact,” he said, adding that the implementation mechanism will be announced next year.
In parallel with efforts to strengthen food security and empower the people, Jamawi said his ministry is also formulating a Mentor–Mentee Agriculture Programme to identify young individuals who are actively involved in agriculture and guide the younger generation into the sector.
Touching on the digital economy, he said food industry entrepreneurs must be encouraged to embrace digital platforms to expand markets and increase income.
“The success of local entrepreneurs such as Cik B, Datuk Seri Vida’s daughter, with salmon skin products; Datuk Aliff Syukri with pickled mangoes; and Khairul Aming with sambal, clearly proves that digital platforms can penetrate wider markets and significantly boost income,” he said.
Jamawi said while not everyone can achieve sales of RM1 million in 10 minutes, the ministry aims to nurture Sabahan youth with strong potential in food processing so they can earn lucrative incomes, supported by incentives and assistance from the ministry.
On livestock development, Jamawi said in response to a proposal by the Bengkoka assemblyman, the ministry, through the Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS) will implement the Sabah Goat Breeders Economic Empowerment Programme (MEPKAS) with an allocation of RM1.5 million.
“The programme involves the distribution of goats and equipment as start-up capital, particularly targeting youth who wish to venture into livestock farming,” he said.
He added that DVS Sabah will also offer free livestock farming courses at the Tuaran Veterinary Management Centre for existing and prospective breeders, and will continue to support the Agropreneur Muda Programme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which provides in-kind grants of up to RM30,000 for youths aged 18 to 40.
On fisheries, Jamawi said the ministry remains committed to developing downstream fisheries industries.
During the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Sabah government allocated RM1 million to the Sabah Fisheries Department for this purpose, with similar programmes to continue under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
He said private sector investment in seafood processing plants is strongly encouraged, and the ministry welcomes private participation in downstream fisheries development.
Addressing concerns raised over unlicensed poultry and pig farms, Jamawi said the State Government, through DVS Sabah, recognises the need to strengthen regulatory control and enforcement.
“For your information, DVS Sabah has been advised by the State Attorney-General’s Chambers that amendments to the Animal Enactment 2015 must first be carried out to establish clear legal authority before new regulations can be introduced,” he said, adding that the draft amendments are currently under review.
On efforts to attract youth and investment into agriculture, Jamawi said smart agriculture technology training has been implemented as a short-term strategy, while long-term strategies include smart farming models such as IoT-enabled greenhouses, container-based vegetable factories and automated irrigation systems.
He said the establishment of the Sabah Agricultural Biotechnology Centre (SABTeC) in Tuaran will further strengthen research and development, particularly in mitigating climate change impacts on crops, including the development of high-yield rice varieties tolerant to drought, flash floods and salinity.
Jamawi said an allocation of RM430,000 has been set aside in 2026 for mechanisation, automation and smart agriculture programmes.
On fishermen’s welfare, he said the ministry through Ko-Nelayan has provided i-NELAYAN microcredit financing in-kind to 1,464 fishermen statewide, including inland fishermen, in the form of boats, engines, fishing gear, GPS devices and other equipment, with the programme to continue under 13MP.
He added that Sabah has a quota of 867 inland fishermen receiving the Inland Fishermen Living Allowance (ESHND), which was increased from RM200 to RM250 per fisherman in 2021.
Jamawi also said the ministry supports expanding fish farming through the ‘tagal’ system and aquaculture, particularly in interior areas.
“The tagal system is a community-based conservation programme to increase freshwater fish populations.
“The Fisheries Department plans to expand tagal areas and participating communities, allowing scheduled fish harvests to be sold as supplementary income, in addition to eco-tourism activities,” he said.
On flood mitigation issues raised by several assemblymen, Jamawi said the ministry, through the Sabah Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) is undertaking regular maintenance works and flood mitigation projects, including the RM76 million Lido flood mitigation project in Kota Kinabalu, which is currently 89.85 per cent complete and on schedule, with completion targeted for June 2026.
He added that JPS Sabah has also completed the Drainage Master Plan Study for Putatan and Kinarut, which covers areas including Kawang, to address unplanned drainage systems in rapidly developing areas.
Overall, Jamawi said the ministry values all feedback and constructive proposals raised by assemblymen.
“All suggestions will be carefully examined and acted upon in line with government policies and available financial resources,” he said.
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