Till the land to ensure food sufficiency

13 May 2024

By AVV

KUALA PENYU: Landowners should cultivate their land for agriculture.

Landowners who wished to utilise their idle lands for agricultural purposes and needed financial assistance could approach the agencies under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC) for more information towards this end.

MEDC Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said that the government, through his ministry, provides various financing facilities and assistance to entrepreneurs or cooperatives interested in expanding their businesses or ventures in the food sector.

He mentioned that under the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM), the Revolving Capital Fund financing up to RM100,000 is provided to a cooperative involved in the food agriculture sector such as farming, fisheries, and livestock.

"Similarly, other agencies such as SME Bank, Bank Rakyat, and National Entrepreneur Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional) also have financing schemes related to micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) involved in the food sector," he said

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Kaamatan Festival celebration organided by UPKO at the Dato Shahbandar Makang Community Hall here today.

"The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDAC) through agencies under this ministry provides various suitable schemes and assistance.

He mentioned that the Malaysian Cooperative Commission's (SKM) Revolving Capital Fund provides up to RM100,000 to cooperatives involved in the agro-food sector such as agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.

Ewon expressed his hopes the people seize the opportunities available and participate in the entrepreneurial and cooperative movement so that Kaamatan is not merely a cultural celebration but also conveys a message of entrepreneurship and cooperatives.

He said while the food security crisis serve as a warning for everyone, it can be developed as an opportunity in entrepreneurship.

He also said that this year's Kaamatan Festival theme "Kaamatan Beyond Food Security" was apt,with the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Ewon highlighted during the Kaamatan Festival celebration that the purpose is to inform guests and visitors about Sabah's abundant natural resources, emphasising the importance of developing these resources, including land for agriculture and livestock farming.

Accordingly to Ewon, Malaysia still relies on food imports and this dependency could be reduced if the resources available was fully utilised.

In supporting the theme message of this year's Kaamatan Festival, he encouraged the people, especially Kadazandusun landowners to develop their land either individually or through cooperatives to ensure food sufficiently in the country.