Luyang rep: Urban youth must be included in Sabah’s agriculture drive

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 5): Parti Warisan (Warisan)’s Luyang assemblyman Samuel Wong has welcomed Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar’s commitment to attract more young people into agriculture, saying the success of this vision will depend on whether urban youth and city-based entrepreneurs are meaningfully included through practical and inclusive policies.

Wong agreed that agriculture is Sabah’s key economic powerhouse, contributing RM12.2 billion or 14.5 per cent to the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), supported by the state’s vast fertile land and favourable climate.

However, he stressed that participation in the sector must go beyond traditional rural farming models if Sabah is serious about long-term food security and economic resilience.

“If Sabah truly wants to become a leading food-producing state and reduce import dependency, agriculture must be made accessible to everyone — including city dwellers who have the interest, skills and entrepreneurial drive but lack land ownership and start-up capital,” he said in a statement on Monday.

Wong noted that many young urban agro-entrepreneurs are keen to venture into poultry farming, aquaponics, urban vegetable and fruit farming, fish rearing, as well as value-added food production, but face higher entry barriers such as land rental, infrastructure costs and equipment investment.

He said these challenges could be addressed through targeted grants, soft loans and structured financing schemes, complemented by cooperative-based farming models that allow new entrants to pool resources, share risks and gain access to land, facilities and markets.

“In addition to funding, strong emphasis must be placed on hands-on training, mentorship programmes and technical courses, so young agropreneurs can move beyond trial-and-error and build sustainable, commercially viable operations,” Wong said.

While welcoming the government’s emphasis on smart farming, the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital agriculture, Wong cautioned that technology alone is insufficient without consistent support, implementation and market access.

“Smart agriculture must be backed by financing, skills transfer and value-chain development — otherwise it risks remaining a slogan rather than a solution,” he said.

Wong added that expanding agricultural participation beyond rural areas would not only strengthen food security but also create new income streams, quality jobs and youth-led innovation, ensuring the sector remains relevant, resilient and future-ready.

“Agriculture today is no longer just about land ownership. It is about ideas, technology, cooperation and support. If we get the policies right, both rural and urban Sabahans can be part of this growth story,” he said.