KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is focused on increasing food production to strengthen food security and self-sufficiency to reduce dependence on imported food, said state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (Maffi) Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
He said increasing production was a strategic priority that focuses on padi, cattle, poultry, as well as vegetables and fisheries to ensure price stability and sufficient supply.
In line with this effort, he said Maffi was boosting productivity and modernising the agriculture and fisheries sectors by reducing the reliance on traditional farming and fishing methods.
“The agriculture, fisheries and food industries are strategic pillars of development, not only to guarantee food security, but also to strengthen the economy and generate income for rural communities,” he said at the ministry’s New Year 2026 celebration at Wisma Pertanian Sabah here yesterday.
“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 Government.”
Jamawi said the transition to smart farming, mechanisation, precision agriculture, and the use of data, technology and innovation must be accelerated through collaboration between universities and research institutions.
He also 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.”
Jamawi reminded ministry staff that good governance, efficient delivery systems and high levels of integrity, with zero tolerance for leakages and inefficiency as 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.
“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.”
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.
