KOTA KINABALU: Sabah can expand its agro-food sector through a skilled workforce, modern technology, and market integration to strengthen food security and create jobs, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“This direction must translate into increased productivity, wider community participation in economic activities and responsible resource management,” he said in a speech delivered by State Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib at Lahad Datu Vocational College (KVLD) on Saturday (Oct 24).
The event marked the launch of Sedia AgroFoodPakar, a fully funded programme by the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia).
The initiative enables 80 participants to obtain a Level 3 Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) across eight agricultural fields via a fast-tracked two-day practical assessment, reducing the standard 18-month duration.
Additionally, Sedia and KVLD partnered on the IPR-INTAN Ginger Cultivation Programme, supported by the Economy Ministry to help 30 B40 participants earn RM2,000 monthly by planting 1,000 ginger seedlings on a three-acre plot.
KVLD is also hosting a 10-acre coconut planting initiative featuring 1,000 pandan and Tacunan seedlings.
