MAFFI staff urged to be more active on the ground to assist farmers

9 February 2026

TELUPID: The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, has called on all departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) to spend at least 60 per cent of their time on the ground to monitor conditions, identify needs and resolve issues faced by farmers.

He made the call during a meeting with farmers in Trusan Sapi, accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong, where he listened to their concerns.

“Within two months, I will return to this area to assess the progress of improvements to facilities that have been prioritised for repair and maintenance,” he said.

Jamawi instructed the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), and the Rural Development Cooperative (KPD) to station officers in paddy-growing areas and to engage directly with farmers.

He reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the welfare of farmers and ensuring that MAFFI personnel take a serious and proactive approach in addressing challenges faced by the agricultural community across the state.

Jamawi also encouraged the use of insecticides recommended by the Department of Agriculture, suitable paddy seed varieties, and more efficient construction and maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems to improve agricultural yields.

During the visit, he also received a briefing from the Director of Desa Padi Plantation Sdn Bhd, Datuk Yap Yun Fook.

Also present were the General Manager of the Sabah Paddy and Rice Board (LPBS), Datuk Madiyem Layapan; the General Manager of KPD, Jailis Masarip; as well as officers from MAFFI, DID, KPD and LPBS.