KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is focused on increasing local food production to strengthen food security and self-sufficiency in efforts to reduce dependence on imported food, says Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (Maffi) Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
He said increasing production was a strategic priority that focuses on padi, livestock such as cattle and poultry, as well as vegetables and fisheries to ensure price stability and sufficient supply for the people.
He said that the ministry was boosting productivity and modernising the agriculture and fisheries sectors by reducing reliance on traditional farming and fishing methods.
Jamawi said that agriculture, fisheries and the food industry were strategic pillars of development, not only to guarantee food security but also to strengthen the economy but also generate income for rural communities.
“All our ministry’s plans and implementation must align with the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda as well as through close cooperation between the state and federal governments,” he said at the ministry’s New Year 2026 celebration at Wisma Pertanian Sabah here Monday (Jan 26).
Jamawi said the transition to smart farming, mechanisation, precision agriculture practices, and the use of data, technology and innovation must be accelerated through strategic collaboration with universities and research institutions.
On youth involvement, he said the future of Sabah’s agriculture and fisheries sector depended heavily on young people, and the sector must be positioned as a viable, dignified and profitable career.
“The state government will continue to support the development of youth agropreneurs, empower new businesses and cooperatives, and improve access to land, financing and technical support,” he added.
Jamawi reminded ministry staff that good governance, efficient delivery systems and high levels of integrity, with zero tolerance for leakages and inefficiency were key to meeting the state’s targets of self-sufficiency.
He urged all ministry officers, departments and agencies at both state and federal levels to be proactive by going to the ground and resolving people’s issues comprehensively.
“Inter-agency cooperation must be strengthened by breaking down silos between departments, federal agencies, government-linked companies and the private sector through public–private partnerships,” he added.
Commenting on the challenges of climate change, he said the ministry will promote sustainable agricultural practices, the use of climate-resilient crops and responsible land management.
