Sabah Credit Corporation, AgriData partner to modernise agriculture, boost food security

TAMBUNAN (Feb 28): A strategic collaboration between Sabah Credit Corporation and AgriData is set to strengthen the transformation of Sabah’s agricultural sector through technological modernisation, entrepreneur empowerment and enhanced food security.

State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister (MAFFI) Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the initiative, marked by the signing of a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties and the launch of AgriSpark here, provides an important platform to expand strategic cooperation between government agencies and industry partners in modernising agriculture and increasing local productivity.

“This strategic collaboration is capable of creating a positive impact, particularly in opening up opportunities for more young people to obtain guidance and ideas to venture into agriculture through cooperation with AgriData,” he said during the MoU signing ceremony.

Also present were Keningau MP and Tambunan assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, MAFFI Permanent Secretary Datuk Jumain Abdul Ghani, former Sabah Credit Corporation Chief Executive Officer Datuk George Taitim Tulas, and former Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan.

Jamawi said cooperation between government agencies and industry players is vital to increasing the state’s self-sufficiency level (SSL) by reducing dependence on imports and strengthening local agricultural production.

He said three key commodities with high import levels are rice, onions, corn (for animal feed) and vegetables.

“For rice, our population consumes 286,489 tonnes annually. We only produce about 56,000 tonnes. Some 230,632 tonnes are imported from Vietnam. The government allocates RM80 million in subsidies for padi cultivation in Thailand and Vietnam.

“Therefore, Dr Jeffrey has proposed the establishment of the Sabah Rice and Padi Board (LPBS). I will do my utmost to realise this aspiration to increase our padi self-sufficiency level,” he said.

Jamawi stressed that his ministry is committed to supporting the transformation of traditional agriculture into technology-based farming to increase yields and provide better returns to farmers.

He said the use of modern technology would accelerate the modernisation process and enhance the competitiveness of Sabah’s agricultural industry at both domestic and international levels.

He also expressed appreciation to the organisers for successfully holding the event, describing it as an important step in strengthening the development and modernisation of the state’s agricultural sector.

Jamawi hoped the strategic collaboration between government agencies and AgriData would continue to ensure Sabah’s agriculture sector grows sustainably and benefits the people.

Since taking office, he said, the ministry has introduced several key initiatives to strengthen food security and increase public participation in agriculture.

Among them is the ‘Kebun Dapur’ programme, which focuses on small-scale crop cultivation, fisheries and livestock projects based on the suitability of areas and household capabilities.

“This approach enables the people to obtain basic food sources, including protein, more independently, while supporting efforts to ensure a continuous and stable food supply,” he said.

The ministry has also implemented the Agriculture Mentor–Mentee Programme to identify active youths in agriculture and guide a new generation into the sector.

Jamawi also commended young entrepreneur Matthew Johnny Kulai, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of AgriData, who serves as a mentor in the programme.

Matthew has initiated the cultivation of vegetables such as lettuce, crystal tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, tomatoes, Japanese cucumbers and strawberries at the site.