Jamawi (centre) checking out some of the products at display at the Mini Rural Entrepreneur Carnival in Kota Belud.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will launch small-scale farming activities for rural communities to be self-reliant, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said.
Dubbing it “Kebun ke Dapur” (farm to kitchen) concept, he said the initiative aims to open up broader opportunities for villagers to grow crops around their homes at low cost, directly benefiting their daily lives.
The concept was designed as a practical platform to reach as many people as possible, especially farmers, smallholders, fishermen, and rural entrepreneurs who are largely engaged in the agricultural sector.
“The ministry is refining the implementation of the concept so that it can be carried out in an orderly and effective manner and we hope to launch it early next year,” he said during the closing of Mini Rural Entrepreneur Carnival in Kota Belud on Sunday (Dec 14).
Jamawi, who was Minister following the Nov 29 state election, said his main aim has been to help uplift rural communities that mainly depend on agriculture as their source of income.
He said the Sabah Rubber Industry Board and the Sabah Land Development Board have played an important role in rural entrepreneur development.
During the programme, participants not only received equipment assistance worth up to RM6,000, but were also given continuous support, including structured product marketing guidance, with digital approaches included.
Jamawi said that his background as a farmer and smallholder enables him to understand the struggles, challenges, and needs of villagers—whether farmers, hawkers, fishermen, retailers, or livestock breeders.
“My experience will be useful in our efforts to develop rural communities, particularly those involved in agriculture, to improve the well-being and living standards of the people,” he added.
