Sabah Credit Corporation–AgriData partnership strengthens Sabah’s agricultural transformation

28 February 2026

TAMBUNAN: The strategic collaboration between Sabah Credit Corporation and AgriData is believed to be capable of reinforcing the state’s agricultural sector transformation through technological modernisation, empowerment of entrepreneurs, and improved food security.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, stated that this initiative, realised through the Signing Ceremony of the Renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties and the opening of AgriSpark today, provides an important platform to expand strategic cooperation between government agencies and industry partners to modernise the agricultural sector and enhance local productivity.

“This strategic partnership can have a positive impact, particularly in opening opportunities for more young people to gain guidance and ideas for entering the agricultural sector through collaboration with AgriData,” he said in his opening speech.

Present were also Keningau Member of Parliament and Tambunan State Assemblyman, Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan; the Permanent Secretary of MAFFI, Datuk Jumain Abdul Ghani; former Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Loan Corporation, Datuk George Taitim Tulas; as well as former Chief Minister, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

Jamawi expressed that cooperation between government agencies and industry players is vital for increasing the state’s self-sufficiency by reducing reliance on imports and strengthening the local agricultural output.

He highlighted that the three main sources with the highest imports are rice, onions, maize (for livestock feed), and vegetables.

For example, our population consumes around 286,489 tonnes of rice annually, but we only produce 56,000 tonnes. The remaining 230,632 tonnes are imported from Vietnam. The government allocates RM80 million in subsidies for rice cultivation in Thailand and Vietnam.

“Therefore, Datuk Seri Panglima proposed the idea of establishing the Rice and Paddy Board (LPBS). I will do my best to realise this vision and improve the Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) of rice,” he said.

Jamawi also emphasised his ministry’s commitment to supporting the shift from traditional farming to technology-based agriculture to increase yields and offer more lucrative returns to farmers.

He believed that the use of modern technology could accelerate the modernisation process of the agricultural sector and increase the competitiveness of local industries at both national and international levels.

In this regard, Jamawi expressed his appreciation to the organisers for successfully hosting the event, which he described as an important step towards strengthening the development and modernisation of the state’s agricultural sector.

He hopes that the strategic cooperation between government agencies and AgriData can be continued to ensure Sabah’s agricultural sector develops sustainably and benefits the people.

Since taking office, Jamawi said his ministry has introduced several key initiatives to strengthen food security and increase public involvement in agriculture.

Among these is the Kitchen Garden Programme, which focuses on small-scale cultivation, fisheries, and livestock tailored to local areas and household capacities.

He explained that this approach allows people to obtain basic food sources, including proteins, more independently, supporting efforts to ensure a continuous and stable food supply.

Furthermore, Jamawi stated that his ministry is implementing an Agriculture Mentor–Mentee Programme to identify young people active in agriculture and to guide the next generation to enter the sector.

He also praised a young mentor involved in the programme, Matthew Johnny Kulai, who is the CEO and co-founder of AgriData, and who has started cultivating vegetables such as salads, crystal tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, regular tomatoes, Japanese cucumbers, and strawberries on site.