Metal Farming Initiative in Ranau Showcases Sabah’s Model for Green Growth

26 August 2025

RANAU: The metal farming project, carried out by Botanickel Sabah in collaboration with the Kampung Pahu Pinawantai community, is fully aligned with the state’s development direction.

Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam said the initiative not only introduces an innovative approach to the agriculture and mineral sectors, but also strengthens state and community development through the novel application of phytoextraction technology in Sabah, particularly in Ranau.

“The use of hyperaccumulator plants, which are unique to Sabah, is one way of optimising the state’s natural resources and output,” he said when officiating the launch of the Pahu Farm Project in Kampung Pahu Pinawantai here today.

Dr Joachim, who is also Minister of Local Government and Housing, said the project demonstrates how innovation in the agro-mineral field can be combined to generate new economic returns for the people of Sabah.

The technology is capable of separating heavy metals from less fertile soil, thereby restoring its productivity, added the Kundasang Assemblyman.

“In addition to benefitting the agricultural sector, the project also has the potential to stimulate tourism, which is one of Ranau’s key strengths. By transferring technology to the community, it also helps to build human capital while improving the people’s well-being,” he said.

He further noted that the implementation of metal farming clearly supports all three pillars of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan: agriculture, industry and tourism; human capital and people’s well-being; as well as infrastructure and green sustainability.

As such, he said, the initiative between Botanickel Sabah and the local villagers proves that scientific research can be applied practically in rural community development.

At the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between Botanickel Sabah, the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks and the Ranau District Office.

Dr Joachim said the strategic collaboration reflects a form of private sector funding channel through participation, investment or smart partnerships with government agencies.

“Such collaborations not only strengthen technology transfer but also create opportunities for Sabah’s youth to be mentored, nurture their talents, and build careers in related fields,” he added.

He also highlighted that the nearly decade-long collaboration between the Kampung Pahu Pinawantai community and Botanickel has proven that this model can be further strengthened in a more systematic manner.

“Through this pre-commercial project, the partnership is able to optimise resource allocation and reduce error risks, leading to cost savings. More importantly, it boosts the villagers’ confidence and reduces youth migration to the cities in search of work,” he explained.

Dr Joachim also expressed his appreciation to all parties involved in making the project a success.

With the launch of Pahu Farm, he said, the field site will serve as a key location for agricultural scientific experiments by Botanickel in collaboration with researchers from TANiLAB UiTM, to be sustainably adopted by the local community.

“I am confident that Pahu Farm will not only symbolise the success of partnerships between government, industry and community, but also serve as a new model for Sabah’s development, integrating innovation, sustainability and people’s well-being,” he said.

He encouraged the villagers to take full advantage of this opportunity by cultivating crops that can extract metals for agricultural products, turning them into profitable ventures that can benefit both the community and related agencies.

Among those present were State Deputy Secretary (Development), Datuk Dr Ahmad Sade; Ranau District Officer, Tinus Manggam; Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests, Dr Arthur Y.C. Chung; Political Secretary to the Deputy Chief Minister II, Yubidi Gompoyo; Sabah Parks Deputy Director of Administration, Finance, Research and Innovation, Rini Repin; Director of the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC), Ken Kartina Khamis; Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Product Division Manager, Effendi Mahal; UiTM Deputy Rector of PJIM & A, Dr Viduriati Sumin; Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFM) representative, Jacques Liezerovici; Ranau Land Revenue Collector, Jaidi Gulis; Kundasang Community Development Leader, Dounis Sani; Ranau Public Works Department Engineer; Kampung Pahu Pinawantai Village Head, Masiun Ambak; Alvonna Jammy; and Metal Farming Ambassador, Meery Marguila Nior.

In a separate programme, Dr Joachim also engaged with residents of Kampung Pinawantai during the Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat (Leaders with the People) session at the village hall.