MAFFI to strengthen Sabah’s food security, reduce reliance on imports

26 January 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Efforts to strengthen the state’s food security and self-sufficiency will be intensified by gradually reducing dependence on imported food through increased local production.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, said the initiative, which is MAFFI’s top strategic priority, will focus on boosting the production of paddy and rice, livestock such as cattle and poultry, as well as vegetables and fisheries to ensure price stability, continuity of supply and public welfare.

He said productivity must be improved and the agriculture and fisheries sectors modernised by moving away from traditional methods, including through the adoption of smart farming, mechanisation and precision agriculture.

Jamawi was speaking at the Minister’s Address Ceremony of the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry and the 2026 New Year Celebration at Wisma Pertanian Sabah here today.

He said the State Government regards agriculture, fisheries and the food industry as key pillars of Sabah’s development, not only to safeguard food security but also to strengthen economic resilience and generate income for rural communities.

“All planning and implementation must be aligned with the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda and reinforced through close cooperation between the State and Federal Governments,” he said.

Jamawi added that collaboration with universities and research institutions would be strengthened to accelerate the use of data, technology and innovation in the sector.

On youth involvement, he said the future of Sabah’s agriculture and fisheries sectors depends heavily on young people, stressing that the industries must be positioned as viable, dignified and profitable career options.

The State Government, he said, will continue to support youth agropreneurs, empower new businesses and cooperatives, and improve access to land, financing and technical assistance.

He also said empowering farmers, fishermen and rural communities remains a priority to increase incomes and reduce reliance on middlemen, while emphasising the importance of good governance, efficient service delivery and zero tolerance for leakages and inefficiency.

Jamawi urged ministry officers, departments and agencies at both state and federal levels to be proactive, engage directly with communities and take responsibility for resolving public issues effectively. He also called for stronger inter-agency cooperation through public-private partnerships to break down operational silos.

Addressing climate change challenges, he said MAFFI will promote sustainable farming practices, climate-resilient crops and responsible land management.

To ensure effective implementation, clear key performance indicators (KPIs) will be introduced at departmental, agency and programme levels, supported by regular monitoring and reporting.

In a related development, Jamawi announced that MAFFI will roll out a structured Kitchen Garden Initiative statewide to encourage households, particularly in rural and interior areas, to undertake small-scale crop cultivation, livestock rearing and fisheries activities.

He said the initiative is expected to enhance food security, reduce the cost of living and foster self-reliance at the grassroots level.

The first Kitchen Garden Roadshow Initiative will be launched in Tuaran next month and officiated by the Chief Minister. It will adopt a mentor-mentee approach to attract youth participation and expose participants to smart farming technologies, automation and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Under the 2026 Budget, MAFFI has been allocated RM559.85 million, reflecting the State Government’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector for the benefit of farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and agri-entrepreneurs.