PAPAR: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said a total of RM559.85 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) this year to enhance food security and the State Self-Sufficiency Ratio (SSR) in Sabah.
He said various efforts have been and are being implemented by the government to ensure food security in the state, such as the establishment of the Sabah Padi and Rice Board and the development of padi fields across the state, including here and surrounding districts such as Membakut, Beaufort and Kuala Penyu.
“In line with the spirit of the Kaamatan Festival, which values harvest, the agriculture sector remains one of the three main pillars driving the state’s economic growth under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 Development Plan (SMJ 2.0).
“This reflects the State Government’s commitment to ensuring strong food security, especially amid current global economic and geopolitical uncertainties,” he said at the launching ceremony of the State-level Pesta Kaamatan at the Dewan Masyarakat here today.
At the same time, the Chief Minister also encouraged the public to support local products, particularly Sabah’s own agricultural produce, as a step to strengthen the domestic economy.
“The progress we enjoy today would be meaningless without the unity and strong cooperation among the people of various races and religions in this state.
“Therefore, I call on all Sabahans to continue working hand in hand with the government in realising every agenda, especially the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 direction,” he said.
Hajiji added that the government will continue to implement various assistance initiatives to improve people’s standard of living and socio-economic status, including continuing existing aid in education, human capital, and public well-being.
The State Government, he said, remains committed to ensuring inclusive and balanced development throughout the state so that every segment of society can enjoy the prosperity achieved.
“We can see for ourselves in Papar that the district has undergone very encouraging changes with several infrastructure and commercial development projects that have been and are actively being implemented, including in Benoni and the surrounding areas of Kinarut,” he said.
Once the Pan Borneo Highway project is fully completed, Papar will also have great potential to emerge as a major stopover destination for visitors from Brunei and Sarawak, he added.
With facilities such as the Borneo Cultural Village and the Sabah Native Customary School, Papar has the potential to become a progressive and competitive district, he said.
He added that the choice of Papar as the host for this year’s Kaamatan Festival launch is most fitting, as Papar is well known as one of the areas in Sabah that has fertile rice fields.
“The Papar district is not only rich in produce, but also rich in cultural values and the strong sense of community among its multi-ethnic population living in peace and harmony. This is the true reflection of the Sabah we are proud of,” he said.
The Chief Minister said this uniqueness aligns well with this year’s Kaamatan Festival theme, “Kaamatan: Harvesting Unity, Celebrating Harmony,” which highlights the importance of unity among Sabah’s diverse communities.
He was also glad to note the presence and enthusiasm shown by those attending the Kaamatan Festival launch, regardless of religion or race.
“This reflects our shared responsibility to ensure that heritage such as this celebration continues to be preserved, strengthened and passed on to future generations.
“The younger generation must understand, respect and embrace diversity as a foundation for harmony and the strength of unity, especially in an increasingly modern and challenging world.
“Let us continue to strengthen unity, preserve harmony and together build a brighter future for the state of Sabah that we love,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced a RM1 million allocation for the construction of a roofed futsal court equipped with a grandstand for the district.
According to him, this reflects the State Government’s attentiveness in listening and understanding the needs of the people.-pr/BNN
