New Sabah Minister Aims To Boost Youth Participation In Agriculture, Food Industry

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Newly appointed Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar has pledged to attract more young people to the agriculture sector as part of efforts to position Sabah as a leading food-producing state.

He said he also plans to engage smallholders, rural farmers, fisheries entrepreneurs and women in the food industry to ensure their perspectives are considered in the sector’s development planning.

Jamawi emphasised his commitment to sustainable development and transformation in Sabah’s agriculture, fisheries and food industry, focusing on increasing production, reducing import dependency and ensuring active participation of all stakeholders.

“I want to gather as much input as possible so we can diversify our efforts while shaping the ministry’s vision and mission for the next five years,” he told reporters today.

The Melalap state seat winner in the 17th Sabah state election was sworn in by the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, during the Cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu.

He added that improving Sabah’s self-sufficiency, particularly in rice and other food crops currently reliant on imports, will be a top priority to strengthen the state’s food security.

“InsyaAllah, with the trust placed in me and the dedication of all ministry staff, I am confident we will achieve meaningful progress in this sector over the next five years,” he said, expressing gratitude to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor for entrusting him with the ministry.

-- BERNAMA