Mohamad (middle in white, standing) with Farmers’ Organisation Authority chairman Datuk Mahfuz Omar (right of Mohamad, in light blue) and the Sandakan community at the MAHA 2024 roadshow.
FROM Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, Sabahans in these parts of the state had the opportunity to enjoy a preview of South-East Asia’s biggest agricultural, horticulture and agrotourism event, recently.
Aimed at promoting the celebration of the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition’s (MAHA) the 100th anniversary, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the event is expected to attract around three million visitors to the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang from Sept 11 to 22.
“This year marks a century since the inception of this significant event, which has grown to become one of the largest and most influential agricultural expos in the South-East Asian region,” he said.
Apart from focusing on domestic participants, in line with its theme, MAHA 2024 Go Global, they expect a larger participation from foreign countries sharing their expertise and technologies on the field.
Mohamad said Sabah was included in their roadshow itinerary, recognising the state’s significant role on agriculture and agrotourism.
Travelling 70km northeast from Sabah’s state capital of Kota Kinabalu, Mohamad highlighted Kota Belud’s promising potential for paddy cultivation.
He noted the district’s transition from traditional to smart farming practices, echoing advancements seen in Peninsular Malaysia.
“By improving techniques in rice cultivation and enhancing seed quality, our goal is to achieve a yield of at least 10 tonnes per hectare in the near future, a benchmark already reached in parts of Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
Mohamad added that while yields have increased from two tonnes to four tonnes, the goal is to reach 10 tonnes, enabling Sabah to produce 60% of its rice needs.
However, he expressed optimism about securing additional funding to also upgrade the irrigation system.
“Currently, rice is cultivated twice a year here, compared to three to four times in other regions. Our ongoing monitoring by dedicated officers will ensure the success of these initiatives, ultimately enhancing rice production.
The journey continued to Desa Dairy Farm at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, with its views of its lush pastures.
Celebrated for its dairy production, the farm is home to a herd of Holstein-Friesian cattle known for their exceptional milk yield.
Desa Dairy Farm also serves as a popular tourist destination and educational centre, attracting approximately 70,000 visitors per month. A highlight here is the opportunity to sample and purchase fresh dairy products such as pasteurised milk, yoghurt and cheese, all locally renowned for their quality and freshness.
In Kundasang, an allocation of RM2mil was approved by Mohamad for the expansion of a 100ha plot in Sook, Keningau, dedicated to growing green corn for animal feed.
“The collaboration involving Desa Cattle, the Farmers’ Organisation Authority and the Nabawan Farmer’s Association aims to enhance green corn cultivation by 2024.
“Earlier this year, priorities were set for various agricultural sectors, with a focus on funding and technical support.
“Corn plays a vital role as it is a crucial animal feed,” said his ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali.
He highlighted the promising business model for ensuring national food security.
Next Mohamad visited Telupid, approximately 90km from Kundasang, where he inspected the modern tamu (open market) ground constructed by the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) a year ago.
“This tamu ground is one of the six upgraded by Fama, including five others in Sook, Keningau; Tomborungus in Kudat; Kunak; Beluran; and Tuaran.
“These enhancements aim to enable rural farmers to sell their products directly to consumers.
“Such collaborative efforts by Fama and state and federal governments are crucial for Sabah’s ongoing development, particularly in infrastructure,” he noted.
Laimah Limbas, a farmer from Kampung Ulu Barason-Wonod, expressed gratitude to Fama for the covered tamu ground saying, “I now have a dedicated place to sell locally grown fruit products.”
Supiah Piloh agreed remarking, “Not only do we have shelter, but it’s also equipped with fans.”
The four-day journey concluded with an event in Sandakan.
Here, the focus was on improving the fishermen’s livelihoods through a collaboration between state and federal authorities, where RM21.1mil was distributed as living allowances to 7,502 fishermen across the state.
Mohamad emphasised that RM450,000 has been allocated to 30 fishermen in Sabah to enhance the capacity of B40 fishermen, aiming to uplift their living standards and skills.
Various forms of assistance were also provided to fishermen groups in Sabah.
He also highlighted the allocation of RM1mil for a special housing project involving 60 fishermen’s houses in Sabah to enhance their livelihoods.
Mohamad reiterated that the government continues the diesel and petrol subsidy scheme for fishermen, with a monthly subsidised quota of 70 million litres.
“These initiatives underscore the government’s dedication to easing the burden on fishermen while striving to improve their economic standing,” he affirmed.
Asmadi Haji Jaffar from Sandakan town expressed gratitude for the RM300 living allowance, which he said would alleviate financial pressures.
“This assistance is a relief, especially with a four-year-old child and a wife to support,” he shared.
A similar roadshow is planned for Johor and will soon expand on a larger scale in Klang Valley, Selangor.
