Jamawi Inspects KPD and TKPM Mesilou Development Projects

9 February 2026

KUNDASANG: Several projects under the Village Development Cooperative (KPD) and agricultural activities of the Department of Agriculture at the Food Production Park (TKPM) in Mesilou, was visited by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, yesterday.

During the visit, Jamawi toured the Kundasang Agricultural Produce Collection Centre (APCC), the KPD mushroom processing plant, and the cultivation site at Mesilou. He was briefed by General Manager (Operations), Andree Funk, who informed him that KPD currently produces approximately 800,000 units of mushrooms annually, including Black Jelly, Oyster, and Shiitake for food, as well as Ling Zhi mushrooms for medicinal purposes.

The visit was also attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong, KPD Managing Director Jailis Masarip, along with several other officers from KPD and MAFFI. Jamawi also visited TKPM Mesilou, managed by the Department of Agriculture, to observe 91 greenhouses used by local youths for growing tomatoes, chillies, and other crops at low rental rates.

"Kundasang youths will soon see increased funding to expand the number of covered greenhouses," he said.

"This is part of the commitment by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry (MAFFI) to provide opportunities for young people who do not own land but are interested in agriculture. TKPMs are also located in Tawau, Sook, Keningau, and several other locations."

At TKPM Mesilou, Jamawi met with farmer Shahrizal Denci, who manages a 40-acre mushroom farm on KPD land leased for this purpose. Jamawi noted that Shahrizal is also involved in the mentor-mentee programme under the Kitchen Garden Initiative and will share his knowledge and experience with young entrepreneurs interested in mushroom cultivation.

Meanwhile, Shahrizal, 44, expressed his appreciation to the Ministry through KPD for the support given in expanding his mushroom farming project. Jamawi expressed satisfaction with the roles and functions of the department and agencies under MAFFI, hoping that these initiatives will benefit local residents and farmers.

Earlier, Jamawi also visited a crop drying facility in Dongonggon, Penampang.