Agricultural potential enhance local economy

14 March 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Collaborative efforts involving the Kiulu Assemblyman's Office, the Community Development Leader Unit, and the Tuaran Department of Agriculture (DoA) are currently underway to fully harness Kiulu's agricultural potential and enhance the local economy.

Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has stated that the initiative to intensively focus on agricultural development follows the successful transformation of Kiulu into a rural tourism destination.

"Agriculture and tourism are interconnected sectors that have the potential to significantly reshape Kiulu's rural landscape," he remarked.

"By improving infrastructure, adopting strategic planning, and sharing knowledge, we can create opportunities to boost agricultural productivity while enhancing tourism experiences that are grounded in our rich natural resources," he added.

On March 12, Joniston met with Tuaran Senior Agriculture Officer TS Nor Shafareena Hamsa and her team at the Tuaran DoA office to discuss agricultural development in the Kiulu subdistrict and explore potential partnerships.

During the meeting, Joniston learned that Kiulu had been selected for a high-yielding paddy pilot project launched in Kampung Tompinahaton late last year.

To support agricultural growth in his constituency, Joniston has made the bold decision to allocate RM1.5 million from his ADUN funds to upgrade existing agricultural roads and construct new ones.

"According to records from the Kiulu Subdistrict Office, there are currently 73 agricultural roads in Kiulu, and we intend to improve many of them. This year, approximately 40 agricultural roads will be upgraded, alongside the construction of several new ones."

He also highlighted the importance of equipping young people, particularly unemployed graduates, with the necessary skills and motivation to enter the fields of agriculture and tourism while they await job placements.

"We are committed to providing them with the knowledge and encouragement they need to succeed," he noted.

Joniston emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan, which identifies agricultural growth as a vital pillar for boosting the state's economy and reducing its reliance on food imports.

"Our goal is to establish Kiulu as a model for integrated rural development that benefits all segments of the community, particularly in terms of economic empowerment and job creation," he stressed.

Furthermore, Joniston announced plans to establish a pineapple and ginger processing factory, as well as a hill paddy packing facility in Kiulu.

"Despite being a rural constituency, we are optimistic that with proper planning, Kiulu can thrive in tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing, in alignment with the SMJ development blueprint," he concluded.