Putatan has the potential to become an annual durian town and a hub for community agricultural activities: Jamawi

16 January 2026

PUTATAN: The Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, intends to develop Putatan into an annual durian town as well as a centre for community agricultural activities through the implementation of the Kebun Dapur (Kitchen Garden) programme, said the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.

“Putatan is not a durian-growing area; however, with activities such as this, Putatan has already become a place or area where people can enjoy durians free of charge within an urban setting,” he said.

“This year, the durian season is expected to begin in October, and next year I myself will sponsor more durians for this programme,” he said when officiating the Putatan Farmers’ Open Day and the People’s Durian Festival, organised for the second time by the Putatan Area Farmers’ Organisation here today.

Also present were the Member of Parliament for Putatan, Datuk Ir. Haji Shahelmey Yahya; the STA Assemblyman for Petagas, Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Datuk Awang Sahari; the ADUN for Tanjung Keramat, Shah Alfie Yahya; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong; and the Chairman of the Putatan Farmers’ Board of Directors, who is also the Organising Chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Haji Arsit Sedi.

Jamawi explained that the Kebun Dapur programme aims to democratise the agriculture and fisheries sectors by providing opportunities for the public to be involved even if they do not own land.

The programme offers various packages, including chicks, ducklings, young goats, prawns, crabs, as well as tilapia and catfish fingerlings.

“This programme not only brings the people closer to agricultural activities, but also supports food supply security and improves community health,” he added.

He also called for the cooperation of executive officers of the Putatan District Council to identify vacant or underutilised land to be developed jointly with the community. The public will be guided in farming activities during weekends with their families, thereby encouraging collective agricultural efforts.

The official launch of the Kebun Dapur programme is scheduled for early February, with Tuaran selected as the first location, followed by Putatan as the second location due to the enthusiastic response from the local community. All agencies under the ministry, at both state and federal levels, will be involved to ensure maximum public participation.

In addition to driving agricultural activities, Putatan is also targeted to become a centre for youth interaction through positive activities.

“This is not only a place for farmers to cultivate land, but also provides opportunities for youths to make use of their free time through beneficial activities,” said Jamawi.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Putatan Area Farmers’ Organisation and the Farmers’ Board of Directors for their continued commitment in organising programmes that benefit the community.

The officiating ceremony was enlivened by the serving of local durians, enjoyed by all attendees.

Jamawi expressed his hope that Putatan will continue to be recognised as a centre for local fruits, particularly durian, for the enjoyment of the community every year.

Earlier, Jamawi held a meeting at Wisma Pertanian with 23 young men and women who are actively involved in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and the food industry, and who will participate in the Mentor–Mentee programme during the upcoming Kebun Dapur Roadshow.