KOTA KINABALU: A six-year plan to revitalise rural economies has been launched with an initial allocation of RM10mil approved by the Sabah Cabinet in its first year.
This 2025-2030 Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution (RAER) is an initiative of the state government through the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (Maffi).
According to Maffi in a statement, RAER will focus on targeted programmes in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, entrepreneurship, and downstream industries set to directly benefit rural communities across Sabah.
It is also aimed at increasing and diversifying household income sources in rural areas, reducing rural unemployment through expanded agri-sector opportunities, and stimulating inclusive and sustainable economic growth across Sabah’s countryside.
Maffi will serve as the lead implementing agency, coordinating efforts across ministries, departments, government agencies, government-linked companies, academic institutions, private sector partners, and community organisations among others.
Rural transformation must be a collective effort involving policymakers, civil servants, community leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and locals, said MAFFI.
The programme targets the participation of 100,000 individuals or rural households, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and operational excellence.
It is projected to generate between RM2bil and RM3bil in economic value for Sabah by the end of its implementation period in 2030.
RAER is scheduled to be launched officially on May 1 in Tambunan, in conjunction with Sabah’s Kaamatan Festival.
