KOTA KINABALU: The cheaper price of smuggled agricultural products is affecting the livelihood and income of Sabah's farmers, says state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
"We need more cooperation with security and enforcement agencies such as the Customs Department, General Operations Force, Marine Police and police to curb these illegal activities (of smuggling)," he said after visiting Owan’s Farm, a fertigation and hydroponic facility, in Papar on Monday (May 4).
Jamawi said integrated operations involving these agencies are needed to protect the income of local farmers in Sabah.
He also said facilities such as Owan's Farm are important to ensure consistent food quality.
In this respect, he said the state aims to boost biosecurity aspects of imported produce to further protect the local agriculture industry.
He said Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (MyGAP) certification should be expanded to maintain food safety and quality standards while increasing local yields.
Jamawi said the certification proves that production has been done in strict adherence to regulations, including using minimal and environmentally-friendly chemicals.
He said the approach should be a benchmark for all agropreneurs and industry players in Sabah.
"We need to educate the public to choose food sources that have been verified by the Agriculture Department under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry," he said.
Jamawi noted that it is important to increase awareness of the importance of food quality and safety among consumers.
It also helps the community be more appreciative of quality food, he added.
To this end, the ministry will continue supporting local producers including those in the fertigation and hydroponic sectors, he said.
