By David E.
TENOM: 25 October 2026 – A trader recorded RM30,000 in sales over three days of HPPNS 2026 at the Tenom Town Field, one of the signs that the programme reached its RM1 million sales target with about 30,000 visitors.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the programme gave the ministry room to engage with farmers, growers, breeders, fishermen and rubber smallholders to understand their challenges and needs.
“Throughout the programme, officers and I heard their grouses and aspirations, including those who have succeeded and those who have not. We will refine these findings to improve programmes at the ministry, department and agency levels so that their impact is more effective on the target groups,” he said at a media conference after officiating the closing of HPPNS 2026 here today.
He said engagement sessions would be held with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to scrutinise the feedback received.
A livestock auction drew attention. A pair of Brahman Cross cattle from Australia was offered at a starting price of RM3,300 and auctioned for about RM7,700.
About 16 goats were auctioned the previous day at an average price of RM1,200 each for eight-month-old animals, compared with RM800 to RM900.
“This shows that the livestock industry, if carried out properly, can be a good source of income for breeders,” he said.
He encouraged young people to venture into the agrifood sector because of its large income potential, especially in rural areas. Other traders recorded sales of RM25,000, RM15,000 and RM10,000, while most recorded at least RM5,000.
“This is the true potential of the agrifood sector, including agriculture, fisheries and the food industry, which can provide good returns to our farming community, especially in rural areas,” he said.
The ministry will continue to increase the self-sufficiency level for food crops and strengthen Sabah’s food security.
About 25,000 visitors were recorded up to yesterday, with an additional 5,000 to 6,000 today. Social media live broadcasts were estimated at 500,000 to 600,000 views. About 270 stalls operated by the ministry, Tenom District Council and parties involved in Tenom coffee development helped spur the economy.
Source: MAFFI
