KOTA KINABALU: In a move to transform rural economies, the Sabah state government is set to launch the Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution (RAER), an initiative aimed at revitalising rural areas and boosting economic growth over the next decade.
The initiative, announced by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, is a comprehensive programme that will focus on sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, livestock, entrepreneurship, and downstream industries.
With a vision to build a resilient and productive rural economy, the programme is designed to create meaningful contributions to the overall growth of Sabah.
"RAER’s primary goal is to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and diversify household income sources in rural communities," said Kitingan, who is also state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister.
He added that it will also reduce rural unemployment by expanding agricultural opportunities and stimulate inclusive, sustainable economic growth across Sabah’s rural areas."
The initiative, he explained in a statement on Thursday (April 3), has received approval from the state Cabinet and will kick off this year with an initial allocation of RM10mil.
By 2030, it aims to involve 100,000 individuals or households in rural areas, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and operational excellence.
The programme is projected to generate between RM2bil and RM3bil in economic value for Sabah by the end of its implementation.
The initiative will be coordinated by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry, working closely with various government agencies, government linked companies, private sector partners, academic institutions, and community organisations.
It is based on the belief that rural transformation must be a collective effort, engaging policymakers, civil servants, community leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and local residents.
"We are promoting the slogan 'Unity is Duty,' encouraging all Sabahans to unite and participate in this rural revitalisation movement," Kitingan added.
The official launch of RAER is scheduled for May 1, 2025, in Tambunan, coinciding with the Kaamatan Festival, Sabah’s month-long cultural event, further reinforcing the cultural and economic significance of this ambitious initiative.
