Nabawan Land Scheme Breathes New Life

21 April 2026

NABAWAN: A longstanding issue spanning nearly six decades regarding the Nabawan land settlement scheme is now receiving serious attention, with a development committee reactivated to expedite resolutions on ownership, development, and residents' rights.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the decision was made during a dialogue session with residents at the Nabawan District Council Multipurpose Hall today.

He noted the scheme has existed for about 58 years, gazetted as early as 1958, yet various issues remain unresolved.

Following an oral question by the Nabawan State Assemblyman at the recent State Assembly sitting, this area needs attention and development, including fulfilling promises on land grants.

According to him, the dialogue revealed many matters needing resolution, particularly land ownership, area development, and rights of residents relocated from original villages since the 1960s but not fully fulfilled.

Jamawi said the area was originally entrusted to his ministry for development under the Sabah State Paddy Board, but implementation requires a more comprehensive new approach.

"I've come here to hear the community's grievances, suggestions, and views firsthand, enabling the ministry to assist more effectively," he said.

He announced the long-established Nabawan scheme development committee has been reactivated, chaired by the District Officer and coordinated with the Nabawan Assemblyman.

The committee will gather all suggestions and memoranda received, refine each matter, and submit them to the ministry for further action.

"On the ministry's side, we'll assist as best we can based on proposals from district authorities, local leaders, village communities, including Native Chiefs, village heads, and district chiefs," he said.

He stressed follow-up actions will ensure residents' rights are met after district-level assessments.

Meanwhile, Jamawi also addressed gazetted but undeveloped lands, including KPD lands and other categories.

"As the responsible minister, I'll ensure this trust is properly executed to develop the area," he said.

He explained development aims not only to boost the local economy but also create job opportunities for second, third, and fourth-generation residents in Nabawan.

These efforts align with the aspirations of elected representatives and past leaders advocating for the community's welfare.

At the same time, Jamawi outlined the ministry's key focuses, including food security to reduce import dependency.

He highlighted commodities like rice, paddy, and maize production, which still have low self-sufficiency rates.

"For example, maize self-sufficiency is currently only around 2 per cent, so we need more land developed for this crop," he said.

He is confident Nabawan has great potential as a large-scale agricultural hub contributing to state food supplies.

Additionally, the ministry has secured allocations for mechanised agriculture using modern technology.

"This mechanisation approach not only cuts production costs but also attracts youth to farming," he said.

He hopes for close collaboration between the ministry, local leaders, and communities to realise more orderly development and boost rural incomes in Nabawan.

Present were Nabawan Assemblyman Datuk Abdul Ghani Mohd Yassin; ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Jumain Abdul Ghani; former Nabawan ADUN Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan; Agriculture Department Director Datuk Ts. Jifrin Hj. Mohamad; and officers from the Lands and Survey Department.

In a separate programme, Jamawi attended a briefing on roads in Tenom District and JKR Tenom development issues at the Padas Meeting Room, Tenom District Office, also attended by District Officer Alexander Liew and District Chief OKK Tusib Tulas.