KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry is seeking an exemption from the Federal Government's plan to end subsidies for grade A, B and C chicken eggs.
“That's our request," minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said when asked if Sabah would pursue the matter following Putrajaya's earlier decision to exclude the Bornean states from the diesel subsidy rationalisation.
The Deputy Chief Minister I said both Sabah and Sarawak still need subsidies, as they are lagging compared to other states in Malaysia.
“It is not fair for our subsidies to be cut, especially since we contribute (to the nation’s economy) significantly.
“Still, we need to be prepared to increase our production and capabilities so that our people are no longer trapped in poverty.
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"They should have the opportunity to produce something, especially on their own land,” he said at the launch of the Sabah STAR Moyog division office in Donggongon, Penampang on Wednesday (Oct 9).
In another development, Kitingan said Sabah is hoping for an allocation increase under Budget 2025 to boost its agricultural activities.
Kitingan cited the state government's recent revival of the Sabah Rice Board, aimed at improving irrigation and increasing padi yields, among other enhancements.
"We need a bigger budget to make a real impact. If the funding remains unchanged, we won’t be able to introduce the necessary improvements," he said.
He also recommended establishing additional agricultural marketing authorities to improve support for local farmers, and expanding collection centres for agricultural produce.
"At present, we have seven collection centres, but our vision is to see one in every district, ensuring wider access for farmers across Sabah," he added.
Earlier on Wednesday, federal Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the government was considering the removal of the egg subsidy, saying it could save RM100mil a month that could be channelled to other critical agro-food sectors.
