Sabah Records Highest Agricultural Holdings In Malaysia

SOOK, July 18 (Bernama) -- The interim report of the 2024 Agriculture Census shows that Sabah recorded the highest number of agricultural holdings in Malaysia, with a total of 159,259.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said the agricultural holdings refer to the number of individuals or organisations engaged in the agricultural sector, with Sabah’s interior zone — comprising the districts of Keningau, Sook, Nabawan, Tambunan and Tenom — accounting for 26 per cent of the state’s total agricultural holdings.

“This number is expected to increase further given the vast potential of undeveloped agricultural land in the interior areas,” he said when launching the Road to National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNK) 2025 Series 2 here today.

In response to this development, he said the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through its various agencies, has stepped up efforts to boost the agricultural sector in the interior areas.

“These efforts include the establishment of the Sook Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPK); setting up a coffee processing facility in Sapulut, Nabawan; restoring padi fields in Tulid; and cultivating taro and onions in Sook. We are also working to introduce high market-potential crops such as MD2 pineapples,” he said.

Arthur said the federal government, together with the state government, remains committed to strengthening the agricultural sector through policy planning, technical support programmes and rural infrastructure investments to continuously enhance agri-food productivity.

“As the lead agency for agri-food marketing services in the country, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) plays a key role in strengthening the agri-food security chain by focusing on accessibility and affordability for consumers, supply availability, as well as usage stability and sustainability,” he said.

He said that last year, Sabah FAMA was allocated RM13.8 million for the implementation of 313 projects and programmes, benefiting over 29,000 entrepreneurs and contributing to sales worth RM83 million.

“With the upgrading of tamu (rural markets), strengthening of retail outlet networks, and strategic engagement with farmers and operators at the grassroots level, FAMA is confident that Sabah can become one of the key pillars in the national food security agenda,” he added.

Commenting on the Road to HPPNK 2025 programme, he said it serves as a platform to recognise the contributions and roles of farmers, breeders and fishermen in developing the national agri-food sector.

“HPPNK held here in Sook is our final series before the national-level HPPNK 2025, which is scheduled to take place from Aug 1 to 3 in Kota Kinabalu.

“This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 50 years of HPPNK. What makes it even more special is that the national-level HPPNK celebration returns to Sabah after 30 years. The last time Sabah hosted the event was in 1995,” he said.

-- BERNAMA