‘Kebun Dapur’ to drive Putatan’s transformation into urban durian town, says minister

PUTATAN (Jan 16): The Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry 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.

According to the minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, although Putatan is not a durian-growing area, with this programme, it can become a place where people can enjoy durians for free within an urban setting.

“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 at the ‘Putatan Farmers’ Open Day and the People’s Durian Festival’ today, organised by the Putatan Area Farmers Organisation (AFO).

Also present were Putatan MP Datuk Shahelmey Yahya; assemblymen Datuk Awang Ahmad Sah Datuk Awang Sahari (Petagas) and Shah Alfie Yahya (Tanjung Keramat); the ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong; and AFO Putatan chairman Dato Seri Dr Arsit Sedi.

On the Kebun Dapur programme, Jamawi said the core objective was to bring the agriculture and fisheries sectors closer to the people, and also provide the opportunities for community members to be involved even if they did not own land.

“This programme offers various packages including chicks, ducklings, goat kids, prawns, crabs, as well as tilapia and catfish fry.

“This programme also supports food supply security and improves community health,” he added.

Jamawi also called for the cooperation from the executive officers of Putatan District Council to identify vacant or idle land to be developed jointly with the community.

“Those participating will be guided in cultivating crops during weekends with their families; thereby encouraging collective agricultural activities.”

It is informed that the official launch of the Kebun Dapur programme is scheduled for early February, with Tuaran selected as the first location, and Putatan the second.

All agencies under the ministry, at state and federal levels, will be involved to ensure maximum public participation.

Adding on, Jamawi said Putatan was also targeted to become a centre for youth engagement through positive activities.

“This is not only a place for farmers’ members to work the land, but also an opportunity for youths to fill their free time with beneficial activities,” he said.

Earlier, Jamawi held a meeting at the Agriculture Complex here with 23 youths, who were actively involved in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and the food industry.

It was stated earlier that these youths would also participate in the ‘Mentor-Mentee Programme’, to be one of the activities being run in connection with the Kebun Dapur launch.