adminPENAMPANG (June 3): Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar hopes that part of the additional RM1.5 billion interim allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be channelled towards strengthening the development of Sabah’s padi industry.
He said such a move is important to increase Sabah’s rice self-sufficiency level, which currently meets only about 20 per cent of the state’s rice consumption needs.
“As the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry minister, I am not yet able to celebrate with complete joy because we must raise awareness among our people that the Kaamatan Festival is a celebration of the padi harvest. However, our state produces only about 20 per cent of its rice requirements.
“There is still much work to be done and many areas that need to be developed and championed in order to strengthen the padi industry.
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of the additional RM1.5 billion interim allocation this year while awaiting the finalisation and determination of Sabah’s actual 40 per cent special grant entitlement,” he said.
According to Jamawi, the annual Kaamatan Festival is closely linked to the padi industry, which has formed the foundation of the harvest celebration for generations.
He said efforts to strengthen the padi sector should be given serious attention to ensure that the cultural heritage associated with paddy cultivation continues to be preserved.
In this regard, he hopes that the development of the padi industry will remain a priority in the state’s development agenda, in line with efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure sustainable food security for Sabahans.
Jamawi said increasing local padi production is important not only for strengthening the state’s food security but also for reducing Sabah’s dependence on imported rice supplies.
“I hope that part of the allocation can be utilised for the development of Sabah’s padi industry,” he said when met by reporters at the opening ceremony of the Murut Traditional Equipment and Traditional Food Exhibition at the Tenom Murut Traditional House, Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, on Saturday.
Also present at the event were Tenom District Officer Alexander Liew, Tenom Murut Traditional House chairman Stanis Buandi, Melalap Community Development Leader Denesly Justin, Kemabong Sub-District Administrative Officer Zakaria Jamal, and KDCA Tenom members.
-Agency
