KOTA KINABALU:, July 23, 2026 – Sabah’s Agriculture Minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, has called on state assembly members and department heads to prioritise locally grown fruits when selecting gifts, in a bid to support the state’s farmers.
The minister said the use of imported fruits such as apples and grapes should be reduced. Local fruits, he argued, are not only of high quality but also provide direct benefits to Sabah’s agricultural producers.
“When visiting patients in hospital, attending weddings, or when gifts are required, avoid using imported fruits. We want to support the local fruit industry so that farmers can market their produce more effectively,” he said.
His ministry, through the Sabah Department of Agriculture and LIGS, will help improve packaging so that agricultural produce appears more attractive and is better suited as gifts.
Meanwhile, the Kitchen Garden programme has been well received. The distribution of chicks, ducks and quails to communities, for example, has been warmly welcomed. Many elected representatives have already begun enjoying the fruits of their own livestock rearing, although some have grown too attached to their animals to slaughter them.
The programme has shown positive progress. Many people have started planting crops and rearing livestock on a small scale at home. The initial target was to have 5,000 participants within five years. However, within the first six months alone, approximately 3,000 individuals had signed up.
The Sabah Department of Agriculture will monitor participants’ progress and reward those who succeed, as an inspiration to others.
The government also plans to introduce a special incentive scheme to mark Farmers’ Day. In addition, the Kitchen Garden programme will be expanded to urban areas such as Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau. Starting next year, the programme will also be introduced in schools that offer agriculture in their curriculum. Relevant agencies will provide advice and assistance to foster awareness of food security among students.
