by David E.
TENOM, Oct 10, 2026: About 2,000 participants are expected to take part in a simultaneous “kopi tarik” (pulled coffee) preparation event to set a record in the Malaysia Book of Records in conjunction with HPPNS 2026 here from Oct 23 to 25.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the decision was reached at the final meeting of the Sabah state-level HPPNS main committee, which he chaired here yesterday.
The three-day celebration will be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor on Oct 24 at 10am.
“Besides the simultaneous kopi tarik event, we are targeting 4,000 people at the Sabah state-level Coffee Festival. The proposal to create a record for the most coffee drinkers has been brought to next year because the venue this time is limited,” he said.
About 200 exhibition and sales booths will be set up at the Tenom town field and around Dewan Antanom, covering agricultural, livestock and fisheries products as well as live animal exhibitions. The Sabah Coffee Festival brings together 70 exhibitors from across the state, including Sarawak.
Two local varieties will be introduced: the Kinabalu lampam fish and the spotted buffalo from the Sabah Veterinary Services Department. “Those who want to know the uniqueness of the Kinabalu lampam fish and spotted buffalo, come to HPPNS,” he said.
The Sabah State Railway Department will provide a special Tanjung Aru–Tenom express service on Oct 23, 24 and 25. The service departs Tanjung Aru at 6am and returns to Kota Kinabalu at 3pm. It has a capacity of about 180 passengers with four coaches; fares are RM7.50 one-way or RM15 return. The departure point is the Tanjung Aru Railway Station near Wisma MUIS as parking is larger and free.
“We encourage the public from Kota Kinabalu, Kepayan, Penampang and surrounding areas to come to Tenom without driving themselves. They can also enjoy the beautiful scenery along the journey,” he said.
A total of 177 recipients among farmers, breeders, fishermen and rubber entrepreneurs received awards. Fifty special awards were presented to best-performing individuals. Fifteen young entrepreneurs aged 40 and below under the Kebun Dapur mentor programme also received awards.
Boat and fishing equipment aid was presented to 10 inland fishermen recipients; three received it symbolically. Nine recipients in Tenom in the agro-tourism sector were also highlighted. LIGS opened a counter to help those who have yet to receive the RM400 monthly assistance.
Entertainment programmes will be held on the nights of Oct 23 and 24, including Kilauan Emas Karaoke, open karaoke and performances by local and guest artistes.
Jamawi said HPPNS in Tenom uses an area of about two acres and cannot be directly compared with MAHA, which covers 300 acres and costs RM50 million. He hopes to establish a permanent HPPNS site within five years; the proposal will be brought to the state Cabinet.
“If there were no farmers planting paddy and vegetables, fishermen catching fish and breeders rearing animals, where would we get our food every day? This is the time for us to give support to this community,” he said.
