KOTA KINABALU: Malaysians have been urged to support local farmers by consuming more homegrown fruits, says Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Chan Foong Hin.
Speaking at the “Jom Sapot Buah- Buahan Tempatan” programme here on Tuesday (Feb 3), Chan said the initiative, spearheaded by his Kota Kinabalu parliamentary service centre, aims to promote fresh local produce, encourage healthy eating, and strengthen the rural economy.
“This programme is in line with the national campaign to eat more local fruits. It is also a way to show support for our farmers while ensuring Malaysians enjoy healthier diets,” Chan said, outlining the federal government's commitment to supporting Sabah's agricultural development.
He said federal allocations totalled RM86. 43mil for 51 agricultural projects in Sabah this year.
Under Budget 2026, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry received RM6.87bil nationwide, with RM2.04bil earmarked for development.
Of this, Sabah would benefit from RM86.43mil across 51 projects, including 39 new initiatives and 12 ongoing ones.
Key allocations include RM25 73mil for the Sabah Veterinary Services Department, RM18.1mil for the Sabah Agriculture Department, and RM14mil for the Sabah Fisheries Department.
Chan said close coordination between the Federal and State governments is essential to ensure farmers, livestock breeders, and fishermen feel the direct impact of these projects.
Chan also highlighted the Federal Government's launch of the National Food Security Policy 2030 (DKMN 2030), which outlines strategies and key performance indicators to transform the agri-food sector.
“The policy aims to boost the sector's added value to 1. 1.5% by 2030 under the 13 th Malaysia Plan. Food security is not just about production. It requires policy coordination, efficient implementation, and integrated cooperation across agencies and administrative boundaries,” Chan added.
Chan said that with strong teamwork and strategic partnerships, Sabah's agri-food sector would remain resilient, competitive, and sustainable.
