PPNS Welcomes Adoption by Sabah Agri-Food Ministry

5 May 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Farmers’ Organisation (PPNS) has welcomed the Sabah Government’s recognition of PPNS as an adopted body under the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry.

Through this recognition, the various state government initiatives announced will benefit the people of Sabah, particularly Sabah’s farmers’ organisation members, in strengthening the agri-food sector, including the implementation of the Kitchen Garden Initiative and interest-free loan facilities for young agricultural entrepreneurs.

Its chairman, Datuk Mohd Nazri Abdullah, said the move introduced by the State Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, was timely in ensuring the state’s food security remains strong, while also enhancing the resilience of the agriculture sector in the face of rising input costs.

He added that Datuk Jamawi Jaafar’s background as a former PPNS board member for two terms clearly shows that his efforts to develop the agriculture sector in the state are sincere and committed. He has a deep farmer’s spirit and sentiment, and is very close to the hearts of the farming community as a whole.

“The comprehensive approach through the Kitchen Garden Initiative not only encourages people to produce their own food, but also has the potential to expand the food production chain at community level.

“At the same time, efforts to strengthen the aquaculture and small-scale livestock sectors will help increase local protein sources and reduce dependence on external supplies,” he said.

He said this after leading the PPNS Board of Directors on a courtesy visit to Jamawi at Wisma Pertanian Sabah here on Monday, and among the PPNS board members present were Datuk Ng Loi Tek (PPNS Deputy Chairman), Tan Sri Wences Anggang, Datuk Dr George Sangkin, Datuk Haji Faimin bin Kamin, Datuk Haji Abd Rahim Oting, Datuk Abu Bakar Gapar, Benny Franklin Hartheman, Mr Lawrence P. Saibon, Mohd Nazzuan Mohd Nazri (State Young Farmers’ Chief), Desmond Loo, Mr Ruddy Hasmawie bin Mohamad (PPNS General Manager) and Mr Asboni Baritus (PPNS Corporate Affairs Manager).

Mohd Nazri said the interest-free loan facility of up to RM50,000 for young people is an important catalyst in attracting more of the younger generation into the agri-food sector.

He said the initiative not only creates job opportunities, but can also produce new agricultural entrepreneurs who are competitive and innovative in food production.

“PPNS sees this move as a significant boost in empowering young people as the new driving force of the state’s agriculture sector."

“With continued financial support and technical guidance, we are confident that more young people will step forward to explore modern agriculture, which has the potential to generate sustainable income,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also praised the government’s efforts to establish agricultural produce collection centres throughout the state to facilitate marketing, thereby helping farmers secure more stable returns.

He said an integrated approach covering production, financing and marketing will strengthen Sabah’s entire agri-food ecosystem.

“Agencies such as PPNS will continue to be strengthened to support the implementation of government policies, including helping farmers in terms of training, technology and market access."

“With this recognition, we are committed to working closely with the ministry to ensure that every initiative implemented delivers maximum benefit to the people,” he said.

Mohd Nazri stressed that the combined efforts of the government and implementing agencies are expected to make Sabah’s agriculture sector more modern, resilient and capable of ensuring the state’s food supply in the long term.