Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar has urged elected representatives, government departments and state agencies to prioritise locally grown fruits over imported produce when giving gifts, in a bid to support Sabah’s farmers and agricultural sector.
He said imported fruits such as apples and grapes should gradually be replaced with locally produced fruits so that more income flows directly to local growers.
“We hope all elected representatives and heads of departments will lead by example in promoting local fruits.
“If you’re visiting someone in hospital, attending a wedding or looking for a gift, avoid buying imported fruits. We want to strengthen the local fruit industry and help our farmers market their produce more effectively,” he told reporters during a visit to the media room at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Jamawi said his ministry, together with the Sabah Agriculture Department, the Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS) and other agencies, is working to improve the packaging of local agricultural products to make them more attractive as gifts.
He added that previous campaigns promoting local agriculture had received encouraging support, including programmes that distributed chicks, ducklings and quail chicks to communities.
“Many elected representatives have told us they are now enjoying produce from their own livestock. However, some have become so attached to the animals that they treat them as pets instead of livestock,” he said.
Jamawi also highlighted the success of the ministry’s Kitchen Garden (Kebun Dapur) programme, which encourages households to grow vegetables, rear poultry and carry out small-scale aquaculture to improve food self-sufficiency.
He said feedback from government departments indicated that more Sabahans are embracing home gardening, with many families growing food for their own consumption while selling surplus produce for extra income.
According to Jamawi, the ministry’s coordinated approach involving multiple departments and agencies has improved the delivery of food security initiatives across the state.
“I want the people to have direct access to rice, vegetables, fish, chicken and other protein sources through our agricultural agencies because this sector provides both food and livelihoods for Sabahans,” he said.
The ministry initially targeted 5,000 participants in the Kitchen Garden programme over five years. However, around 3,000 people joined within just the first six months.
Following the strong response, Jamawi said the ministry plans to introduce incentives and special recognition during this year’s Farmers’ Day celebration to honour outstanding participants.
He has also instructed the Agriculture Department to monitor participants’ progress and identify successful growers who can inspire others.
To expand the programme into urban areas, Jamawi said discussions are underway with Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), the Sandakan Municipal Council and the Tawau Municipal Council to identify small plots of land that can be transformed into community gardens for residents of flats and condominiums.
He added that the Kitchen Garden programme will also be introduced in schools starting next year, beginning with institutions that offer agriculture-related subjects.
Schools interested in participating will be able to receive technical guidance from the Agriculture Department, the Rural Development Corporation (KPD) and LIGS.
Jamawi said exposing students to agriculture from a young age is essential to strengthening awareness of food security and ensuring Sabah is better prepared to meet future food needs.
