Strengthening Federal-State Cooperation for Sabah's Agricultural and Food Security Agenda

11 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Development and progress in the agricultural sector cannot be achieved without close cooperation and strong relations between the Federal Government and the State Government.

Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security said, "In that regard, based on a clear vision, I led a delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), along with relevant departments and agencies, on a courtesy visit to the Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI), Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, in Kota Kinabalu."

"The two-hour meeting took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere, with discussions focusing on several key issues related to agricultural sector development in Sabah, particularly in strengthening the food security agenda and ensuring the sustainability of the farming community," Chan added.

He continued: "In the discussions, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) agreed that MAFFI should serve as the coordinating unit for the National Agriculture and Food Empowerment Programme (PPAN), funded by the federal government, for projects involving the agricultural sector in Sabah. This approach is essential to ensure better coordination of project implementation, avoid overlaps, and accelerate the delivery of benefits to target groups."

"Among the key matters discussed and agreed upon in the meeting were proposals for constructing a fishing jetty in Sepanggar, planting grain corn for livestock in Trusan Sapi, building a paddy mill in Kota Belud, developing pig farming in Tongod, upgrading agricultural roads, and strengthening biosecurity and soil profiling oversight," he noted.

Chan said, "I greatly appreciate the commitment and close cooperation demonstrated by Datuk Jamawi and the MAFFI team. Efforts to bolster agricultural sector development will continue to be intensified, and I welcome all proposals put forward during the session."

"I believe such close cooperation is vital to ensure the national food security agenda is effectively translated at the state level, taking into account local needs and Sabah's vast potential in the agricultural and agrifood sectors," he said.

"I record my appreciation for the warm reception and highly constructive discussions throughout this visit. May the strategic collaboration between KPKM and the Sabah State Government continue to be strengthened for the benefit of farmers, breeders, fishermen, and all the people of Sabah."