Deputy minister's visit to Sabah strengthens ties in agricommodity sector
From left: Saravana Kumar, Severinus Tukah, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor, Datuk Shahminan Sahari and Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
KOTA KINABALU (May 28): The strategic relationship between the Federal and Sabah State Governments received a fresh boost following a courtesy visit by Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor on Tuesday.
Held at the Chief Minister's Office in Menara Kinabalu here, the meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in the agricommodity sector, a key pillar of Sabah's economy.
Chan said the visit was part of the ministry's ongoing effort to enhance collaboration with state governments, especially in agricommodity-producing regions.
'Sabah plays a crucial role in Malaysia's agricommodity landscape, especially as a major producer of crude palm oil (CPO) and cocoa,' he said.
During the discussion, several key issues were raised, including the need to increase the replanting rate among oil palm smallholders.
The deputy minister highlighted that efforts to streamline land ownership verification under state jurisdiction would help facilitate applications for the Oil Palm Smallholder Replanting Financing Scheme 2.0 (TSPKS 2.0).
'This will ensure that Sabah's palm oil industry remains competitive and sustainable in the long term,' Chan added.
Another critical issue discussed was the implementation of a digital registration system for foreign workers in Sabah's palm oil sector. The system is aimed at enhancing the management of labour resources more systematically and efficiently.
'Such initiatives require close cooperation and coordination between Federal and State agencies,' Chan said.
The ministry also conveyed its deep appreciation to Hajiji for his strong support of the Federal Government's efforts to advance the agricommodity sector in Sabah.
'The Sabah Government's commitment is instrumental in ensuring the continued development of this vital sector, which benefits both the state and the country,' said Chan.
He expressed confidence that closer cooperation would help boost the competitiveness of Sabah's agricommodity industry and bring greater economic returns to the people.
Joining the deputy minister were Senior Division Secretary of Palm Oil and Sago Industries (BISS) Severinus Tukah, and Division Secretary for Industry Innovation and Human Capital Development (PIMI) Saravana Kumar a/l Marimuthu.
Representing the Sabah State Government were Datuk Shahminan Sahari, Secretary for Home Affairs and Research, and Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Senior Private Secretary to the Chief Minister.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to sustained cooperation in support of Sabah's agricommodity aspirations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
19 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Australia Northern Territory minister's visit reinforces relations with Sarawak
Chan (third left) presents a memento to Cahill. At second right is Hii. KUCHING (June 28): The Australia Northern Territory Government hosted a networking dinner here in conjunction with its Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill's visit to Sarawak recently. Cahill, who led a seven-member delegation, was in the state capital to discuss potential cooperation between Sarawak and the Northern Territory, given their shared interest in a number of common areas. Representing the state government at the event was Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, said Sarawak Australia Business Chamber president Rodger Chan in a statement today. In his speech at the dinner, Chan said the programme marked Cahill's first visit to Sarawak. 'This is significant as she has skipped other parts of Malaysia. 'This shows the Northern Territory Government's and her seriousness in engaging with Sarawak. 'There is also a Department of Asian Relations in her government, and this shows how the Northern Territory Government is serious about and focusing on Asia,' he said. Chan added that Cahill's visit to Sarawak reignited the long-standing relationship between Australia and Sarawak, noting that this year marked the 70th anniversary of Australia-Malaysia diplomatic relationship. 'It also marks the 80th anniversary of the landing of Australia and ANZAC forces landing in Bario under Operation Semut. In fact, Australia was here more than 80 years ago to help Sarawak in defending the Japanese occupation,' added Chan. He said since the 1950s, many Sarawakians had, under the Colombo Plan programme, benefitted from Australia tertiary education, and many of them had become leaders of Sarawak. 'The guestimate is that over 40,000 Sarawakians were educated in Australia – not counting those who studied in the two Australian university campuses in Sarawak.' Chan said many people were not aware that the Colombo Plan did not stop at education, as it also extended to infrastructures and services. 'An Australian engineering firm designed and built the Satok Bridge under the Colombo Plan. 'I think we should capitalise, monetise and build on this long-standing relationship. 'There are opportunities aplenty in many fields including green energy, digital technologies, tourism, education, health, trade and sports,' he added. Australia Northern Territory Kuching Robyn Cahill
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Days of these politicians are over
Published on: Saturday, June 28, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 28, 2025 Text Size: Sabar committee posing with political leaders and representatives. Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans are fed up with politicians who make big promises during elections but forget about them once they get into power. That was the clear message from stakeholders at the recently held 'Sabah Voices to Action – Shaping Sabah's Future Together' final townhall initiative which presented a detailed wish list to political parties preparing for the coming state election. Among political parties present were Star Sabah, SAPP, PBS, Parti Impian Sabah, Warisan, Gagasan Rakyat, LDP and Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri. The wish list is not just any ordinary document. It is a thick 60-page report packed with 117 specific suggestions on how to fix Sabah's problems in schools, hospitals, roads and government services. The report was put together after three months of listening to ordinary Sabahans from all walks of life. Sabah Law Society's (SLS) Immediate Past President Datuk Roger Chin told politicians they need to stop treating their election promises like throwaway lines. 'If you are brave enough, put it in your manifesto and please do not do what happened in the past, which is by saying that your manifesto is not cast in stone, it is not the Bible and you do not have to comply with it. 'In today's day and age of the Internet, the public will hold you accountable,' he said, adding that today's voters will not stay quiet if politicians break their promises. The report comes from a citizen movement called Sabah Voices to Action organised by Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (SABAR) and other community groups. Over three months, they held talks in towns across Sabah including Kota Marudu, Keningau, Tawau and Sandakan, listening to what people really want. The report covers four main areas that affect daily life, namely education, healthcare, roads and infrastructure and how the government runs things. For schools, Sabahans want a separate Sabah Education Ministry that can hire teachers locally, buy school equipment without waiting for Federal approval and create lessons that teach children about Sabah's history and culture. They also want better support for rural schools and children without proper documents. For healthcare, people want a Sabah Health Ministry to have programmes specifically for the State's needs. This includes better pay and career opportunities for doctors and nurses, more medical services in rural areas, online consultations for remote patients and help with travel costs for people who need treatment far from home. Professional Architect cum Sabah Professional Council President Rizal Ahmad Banjar assured politicians that experts are ready to help turn these ideas into reality. 'By virtue of us here, we can provide that assistance. 'We have professionals here and we are ever ready to assist you, whoever is going to be in power,' he said. Institut Sinaran former Chief Executive Officer William Pan suggested starting small rather than trying to do everything at once. 'There are things which we can achieve on the short term and in the midterm and the long term. 'Even in education, there are spaces to start with. So, start with those spaces,' he said. Sabah Medical Association President cum former Sabah Health Director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi addressed politicians who might be worried about taking on technical issues like healthcare and education. 'In Sabah, we have got a lot of people who can help you. 'When you put it in your manifesto, it does not mean that you will be the one doing it. But you will be the one making sure that somebody is doing it. 'Whether you are from political parties or non-governmental organisations, we are all doing it for the people,' she said, pointing out that everyone is working toward the same goal. The report also tackles Sabah's infrastructure problems with a six-step plan for building and maintaining roads, bridges and buildings. This includes proper planning, fair bidding processes, releasing money on time and regular upkeep. For government services, Sabahans want major changes including laws to control political funding, open bidding for all government contracts that people can track online and independent bodies to oversee spending. They also want government-linked companies to hire based on merit rather than political connections. Sabar trustee Datuk Ujang Sulani wrapped up the event by reminding everyone that Sabah has been having these conversations for decades. 'Sabah has always been rich not only in resources, but in spirit. But prosperity remains elusive. 'We must go beyond dialogue. This is no longer about being heard. It is time for us to be heeded, he said. He connected the current push to the unfulfilled promises of the 1963 Malaysia Agreement, saying it should mean true freedom not only from colonialism, but from dependency, bureaucracy and neglect. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Over 200 durian varieties with endless stories
Choices galore: Malaysians are spoilt for choice when it comes to durians since the country has more than 200 varieties of the thorny fruit. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is home to more than 200 varieties of durian, each with its own character and story. 'For instance, the Red Prawn durian is known for its vibrant orange-red flesh. This name wasn't chosen by chance; it reflects its unique quality,' said Durian Manufacturer Association president Eric Chan. As for the Sultan King durian (D24), it reflects its exceptional quality, deemed worthy of royal status. And why the name Hajah Hasmah? A Facebook posting by the Muar agriculture office in 2019 said the durian, which is also known as IOI or Mas Muar, was registered by Hasmah Hashim, who had been selling this D168 variety since 1987. It is prized for its creamy texture and sweetness. Chan said that an understanding of these features of the different types of durians can transform the consumer's experience from merely eating a fruit to knowing its cultural journey. He also said that Malaysia has many other durian varieties which are lesser known due to their limited commercial production. 'Many of these varieties are grown in small quantities, so they're not ready for large-scale exports,' he said. Chan noted that Malaysia's durian industry faces challenges in scaling up production for export. 'At the moment, not many varieties are exported. 'Our focus is typically on commercial volumes but factors like climate have impacted production,' he said. He explained that small harvests are typically project-based or tied to events, like durian festivals that introduce people to different varieties. 'These efforts are part of our mission to educate people about durian,' he said. Stephen Chow, a durian orchard owner with over 30 years of experience, said promoting a wider range of durian varieties for export can significantly boost the industry's competitiveness. 'These diversified initiatives will meet the preferences of different international markets. 'For example, Black Thorn is highly favoured by premium consumers, while D101 is more suited for the mass market.' 'This diversification helps mitigate market volatility, increase growers' income and the sector's resilience,' he said. Chow also advocates for registering Malaysia's well-known durian varieties as national brands or Geographical Indications (GIs), particularly for popular types like Musang King and Black Thorn. 'This would protect brand integrity, prevent counterfeiting and raise the added value of our exports.' 'Just like how champagne from France and rice from Thailand are globally recognised, Malaysian durian can become a world-class brand,' he added. Chow said Musang King remains the cornerstone of Malaysia's durian exports, especially in China's high-end market, but other varieties are gaining popularity. These include the Golden Phoenix (D198) and D13, he said, adding that the D24 already has a solid reputation in China. Chow believes that high-quality kampung durian, if properly screened and standardised, could be developed as stable export products for middle and lower-end markets, thus broadening Malaysia's product range. He also sees potential in blending durian's appeal with green tourism initiatives, tapping into the fruit's growing popularity to enhance Malaysia's tourism sector.
