
Paradigm Sabah agro sector shift urged
Published on: Thu, May 15, 2025 Text Size: Jeffrey (5th from right) at the 44th Annual Malaysian Society of Animal Production (MSAP) conference. Kota Kinabalu: Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan called for a revolutionary shift in animal husbandry towards a circular economy, emphasizing its potential to reshape the livestock industry at the 44th Annual Malaysian Society of Animal Production (MSAP) conference. In his keynote address at the Le Meridien Hotel, Jeffrey stressed the urgent need for the agriculture sector to adopt sustainable practices that transform waste into valuable resources and guide the livestock industry toward a more sustainable economic model. 'The circular economy aims to transform animal husbandry systems and supply chain management towards a sustainable economic model,' Jeffrey explained. 'This approach turns waste into a resource, fuels innovation for regeneration, and makes sustainability a measurable outcome.' He acknowledged the significant challenges in shifting industry mindsets, particularly in an era when convenience often outweighs long-term environmental considerations. 'Shifting to this model is no easy feat, but it's a pivotal step toward securing a sustainable future for our livestock sector,' he said. Jeffrey urged researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to join forces in overhauling existing systems and building more integrated, resource-efficient production processes. 'Everyone here plays a crucial role in unlocking the potential of the circular economy,' he asserted. The Minister also highlighted the Sabah Government's commitment to advancing the local livestock industry, pointing to ongoing initiatives under the Third Sabah Agricultural Policy (SAP3) and the National Agricultural Policy (DAN 2.0). These efforts aim to modernize agriculture, improve cattle breeding, and promote rural development through the Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution (RAER). Jeffrey concluded by praising the organizing committee for their efforts in making the conference a success and recognizing the event's role in shaping the future trajectory of Malaysia's livestock sector. 'The path to sustainable growth is a collective journey. Together, we can drive the transformation needed to accelerate post-pandemic recovery and elevate productivity,' he said. The conference, held in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), and the Malaysian Veterinary Services Department (DVS), marked a significant return to Kota Kinabalu after 16 years. More than 100 delegates from academia, veterinary medicine, and industry gathered to discuss innovative solutions for sustainable livestock management. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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Borneo Post
a day ago
- Borneo Post
Sabah's food paradox: The road to self-sufficiency
Sabah is blessed with fertile soil, abundant rainfall, and incredible agricultural potential. Yet, it finds itself in a perplexing situation: it imports over 60% of its food, including essential staples like rice. This dependency isn't just a matter of convenience; it's a serious vulnerability. In an era of climate disruptions, geopolitical instability, and fluctuating global markets, a shock to the worldwide supply chain could send ripples of price volatility and food insecurity across the state. This is especially true for rice, the most critical staple for many Sabahans. The state's struggle for food security is complicated by a centralized federal system, especially when it comes to rice. Since 1996, the company Padiberas Nasional Berhad (BERNAS) has held a federal monopoly over all rice imports into Malaysia. This gives BERNAS sweeping powers over imports, pricing, and national stockpile management. While the intent behind BERNAS's concession is to safeguard national food security and stabilize farmer income, its implications for state autonomy — especially in Sabah and Sarawak — are profound. In Sabah, where the rice self-sufficiency level (SSL) hovers around 22.8%, the centralized import model severely restricts the state's ability to tailor responses to local shortages, price hikes, and regional preferences. Sabah's Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, has consistently called for Sabah to manage at least 50% of its rice imports, framing it not as a request but as a constitutional right to address local needs and safeguard food security. As the state's Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, Jeffrey emphasizes that Sabah's challenges differ significantly from those in Peninsular Malaysia and thus require decentralized control over rice imports and production. This would empower both Sabah and Sarawak to respond more effectively to local supply-demand dynamics. Proposing a 50% share as a practical middle ground, he believes Sabah can demonstrate the benefits of localized management without fully dismantling the federal system, allowing for policy evaluation and adjustment. Jeffrey is a vocal critic of the current rice import monopoly, arguing it stifles competition, hampers progress, and harms Sabah's economy. He warns that such centralized power fosters inefficiency and potential abuse, and rejects the notion that competition is harmful. On the contrary, he argues, competition drives innovation, efficiency, and better outcomes for both farmers and consumers. Despite these strong arguments, federal authorities have stood firm, extending BERNAS's monopoly until 2031. They maintain that a single importer ensures price stability and strategic stockpile coordination. While Sabah has attempted to challenge this monopoly, such efforts are fraught with legal complexities, as rice is a federally regulated strategic commodity. Nevertheless, Sabah is not standing still. The state government, through its GLC Sawit Kinabalu and the Agriculture Department, has launched a 100-hectare pilot padi project in Kampung Ongkilan. The goal is ambitious: to raise Sabah's rice self-sufficiency to 60% by 2030. With an investment of RM5 million, the project incorporates modern technology, including drone monitoring and efficient irrigation systems. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor has thrown his weight behind the effort. He has pointed out that 2,600 hectares of idle padi land remain untapped and has urged other GLCs to follow Sawit Kinabalu's lead. This is not just an agricultural initiative; it is a strategic economic push to reclaim local control over food security and revive Sabah's rural heartland. Beyond regulatory issues, Sabah's food security challenges are rooted in physical and logistical disconnections. Sabah's interior agricultural zones — from Keningau to Kudat — produce an abundance of food. But poor rural road networks, seasonal flooding, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure render much of this food inaccessible. A sudden downpour can turn dirt roads into impassable swamps, leaving harvests stranded and spoiled in the field. Farmers bear high transport costs, and perishables rarely survive the journey to urban markets. Investing in resilient farm-to-market roads is not just a development priority; it is a necessity. Without reliable road infrastructure, no amount of agricultural expansion or policy reform will translate into real food on tables. The cold chain — the temperature-controlled storage and transport system vital for preserving perishables — is virtually nonexistent in most of Sabah's rural areas. Without cold storage, farmers experience post-harvest losses as high as 40%. This is not only an economic tragedy but a nutritional one. Sabah must embrace innovations such as solar-powered cold rooms, already tested successfully in India and Africa. These solutions are especially relevant for Sabah's off-grid rural areas and align with the state's green development goals. Simultaneously, smart irrigation systems are needed to mitigate the effects of erratic rainfall, which still dominates Sabah's agriculture and leads to inconsistent yields. Predictable production enabled by smart irrigation would lead to smoother, more cost-effective logistics down the line. Finally, the state's traditional agricultural value chain, which moves from farmer to middleman to wholesaler to retailer, is long and inefficient. Sabah should pivot toward a direct-from-farm model, powered by digital platforms. This would shorten the supply chain, reduce spoilage and costs, and empower farmers to keep a larger share of the profits. Such a transition requires investment in localized distribution hubs, training in post-harvest handling, and user-friendly digital platforms that connect farmers directly with buyers. Revamping Sabah's logistics system is not just a technical fix; it's a transformational policy that would touch every aspect of rural life. Better logistics mean higher incomes for farmers, more jobs in transportation, healthier diets for consumers, and stronger rural communities less dependent on external aid. Even forgotten infrastructure, like the railway to Tenom, could be revived as part of a modernized logistics system. The key to Sabah's food security lies not only in growing more food but in ensuring that food moves efficiently, affordably, and reliably from farms to kitchens. This requires a three-pronged approach: • Investment in Infrastructure: Fund roads, cold chains, and smart irrigation systems. • Embracing Innovation: Pivot to digital farm-to-market models. • Policy Reform: Open a dialogue with the federal government to reform policies that stifle state innovation, specifically regarding the rice import monopoly. The current situation, where local food rots while imported goods fill supermarket shelves, is no longer tenable. Sabah must be empowered to act as a protector of its food destiny. If logistics is the lifeblood of agriculture, then Sabah's heart is in critical condition. It's time to fix the chain — technically, economically, and politically — before the system breaks beyond repair.


Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
Milestone for Sarawak's livestock sector as 800 live pigs shipped to Selangor
Dr Rundi (sixth left) leads the ribbon cutting to officially launch of the shipment. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 25): Sarawak's livestock export industry achieved another milestone here today with the official shipment of 800 live pigs to Selangor. Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom described the occasion as a significant step in the state's journey towards becoming a net food exporter by 2030. 'Today we are witnessing 800 heads of pig all the way to Selangor. This event is indeed very significant. In fact, it is a historic moment that we have to share not only with Sarawakians, but also with Malaysians and the world – that we are now able to export live pigs. 'And in the future, perhaps poultry and more. This has been a dream for us. Becoming a net food exporter by 2030 is a gigantic task, but nonetheless, we are making it happen. 'Once people see that it can be done, they get motivated. And once they believe it's possible, the rest is just history,' he told reporters at the official loading ceremony at Pending Port. The shipment is expected to arrive in Klang within 60 hours or approximately two and a half days. Dr Rundi said this first shipment to Peninsular Malaysia would not be the last. 'In the future, there will be bigger shipments and consignment containers that we send to Selangor. They can have the abattoir in Selangor and the meat can be distributed all throughout West Malaysia. And also the plan is to send directly to Penang and Johor,' he said. The pigs were supplied by Green Breeder Sdn Bhd, a Sarawak-based company led by Dr Ng Siew Thiam and his family, who currently export approximately 2,000 pigs weekly to Singapore. Dr Rundi commended the company's efforts and biosecurity standards, noting their success in maintaining exports even during the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak that impacted many other regions. 'Sarawak has been fortunate to remain an exporter of live pigs to Singapore, and now, other Asean countries may also be looking at us in the same light. 'Sarawak is free from foot and mouth disease (FMD) and that gives us a real advantage and leverage in attracting investors and encouraging more livestock farming activities here in the state,' he explained. Dr Rundi pointed out Sarawak first began exporting live pigs to Singapore in 2017, starting with a farm in Simunjan. He said the initial goal was to involve smallholder farmers, but biosecurity and technological requirements proved challenging. 'Not many could survive under such tight protocols, so we had to move from subsistence farming to high tech. Dr Ng told me they are going all the way with high-tech systems and biosecurity. That's why they can survive,' he said. To support the livestock sector's growth, Dr Rundi said the state will establish a new School of Veterinary Medicine in Semenggok through a collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Sarawak, formerly known as UPM Bintulu Campus. 'At the moment, we are lacking veterinarians. We need many more to manage and support the livestock industry. 'When we visited Brazil, they had 4,000 vets looking after their cattle. Here, we have only 15 government vets handling everything, while the rest are private. So, it has to be comprehensive – we must plan everything properly so that we can realise the dream we have. 'With this initiative, we can plan more effectively for the future of the livestock and agricultural sectors in Sarawak. I see great potential for Sarawak to become an agricultural hub,' he added. On the issue of pork prices, Dr Rundi said the government is monitoring the situation, but market rates are ultimately driven by supply and demand. 'When you talk about business, it's supply and demand. What we need now is to increase the supply to help reduce the price. 'At the moment, the supply is limited, so prices go up. That's why everyone is craving for it and they have to pay for it. But if we can increase production and volume, we will have better control over supply and pricing,' he said. He explained that the government is taking steps to prevent prices from soaring too high. 'At the moment, the price is around RM32 per kg. In Sabah, it's RM45, and in West Malaysia, even more — over RM40 to RM45 in the Klang Valley. We are the cheapest now. We cannot complain — but still we complain,' he added. Among those present at the event were Deputy Minister for Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak director Datu Dr Adrian Susil, Kuching Port Authority general manager Robert Lau Hong Thiam, Sarawak Agriculture Department director Dominic Chunggat, and Green Breeder Sdn Bhd director Dr Ng Yong Han. Dr Stephen Rundi Utom livestock


Daily Express
3 days ago
- Daily Express
Sabah leaders not amused as businesses fume
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Dr Jeffrey (left) and Dr Joachim (right) both disagreed with the move. Kota Kinabalu: Businesses are not the only ones unhappy over the sudden declaration of an additional public holiday on the eve of Malaysia Day on September 16 by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Even Sabah politicians who have been in the forefront of regaining Sabah's rights in the Malaysia Agreement they claim have been ignored over the decades by Federal are not amused. They said the Sept. 15 holiday is not necessary. Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan from Star and Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam of PBS both disagreed with the move. 'Personally, I feel Malaysia, especially Sabah, has too many holidays already,' Dr Gunsalam, who is Parti Bersatu Sabah President, said. Dr Jeffrey said Malaysia Day is already a national holiday and there is no need to declare another day on Sept. 15. 'For Sabah and Sarawak at this juncture, we want the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and its rights under the Constitution to be fully implemented. 'That should be the priority,' he said. Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee also said the extra day is unnecessary. Cuepacs Executive Laurence Vun said any holiday would be welcomed by workers but felt a holiday on the eve of Malaysia Day might not help the spirit of Malaysia. 'I don't think an additional holiday would bring any significance to the meaning of Malaysia Day. 'For Sabahans and Sarawakians, we feel Malaysia Day should be marked to make all Malaysians equal in every sense of the word – in our civil service as well as all sectors of government and private enterprise,' said Vun. Employers must comply with the declaration of additional public holiday in conjunction with this year's Malaysia Day celebration, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong had said. He said employers could observe the additional public holiday and pay the regular salary, or instruct their employees to work and pay according to the public holiday rates. 'Employers can also opt to give a replacement holiday on another day if their employees are required to work on that public holiday. 'To ensure the implementation of the additional public holiday is fair and organised, the Department of Labour (JTK) is prepared to provide advisory services as well as answer any queries from employers and employees regarding the implementation of this additional public holiday,' he said. The implementation of the additional holiday is subject to provisions under Section 60D(1) of the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan; the Sabah Labour Ordinance (Chapter 67), the Sarawak Labour Ordinance (Chapter 76) and the Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369) as the basis for the announcement of the official additional holiday by the government. Employers or employees requiring further information can contact the JTKSM via its hotline at 03-8886 5192 / 5937, by email at [email protected], or at any nearby JTK offices. An employers' group and a business association expressed concern over the impact the additional public holiday may have on business operations. The Malaysian Employers Federation said the extra public holiday warrants careful reconsideration because of its financial and operational impact as such holidays disrupt production schedules, logistics chains, and service continuity. 'This disruption results in lower output, delays in fulfilling delivery commitments, increased costs from rescheduling or deferring operations, and reduced overall productivity, especially for SMEs already operating on tight margins,' MEF said. It also said additional public holidays translate to increased wage bills, with preliminary estimates suggesting that each extra holiday could cost Malaysian employers over RM1 billion collectively. MEF said the practice of declaring ad hoc public holidays, often without broad stakeholder consultation, may affect Malaysia's image as a predictable and business-friendly destination. Noting that investors seek clarity and certainty in policymaking, it warned that repeated instances of surprise public holidays risk undermining investor confidence, particularly among foreign investors. 'While MEF appreciates national celebrations and commemorations, such observances must be balanced with economic realities and the long-term competitiveness of Malaysian businesses,' it said. Small and Medium Enterprises Association (Samenta) president William Ng said that while he appreciates the symbolic importance of celebrating Malaysia Day, additional public holidays, especially those announced on short notice, can be disruptive for SMEs. He said the added holiday would increase costs for SMEs in terms of lost productivity, overtime pay, and delivery delays. 'We urge the government to conduct impact assessments before declaring unscheduled holidays,' he said. Ng also welcomed the encouraging economic indicators shared by Anwar in his address, particularly stronger GDP growth, improved global competitiveness rankings, and a more stable ringgit. 'However, we urge the government to ensure that the benefits of this growth are meaningfully felt by the SME sector, which continues to face persistent challenges in accessing financing, addressing labour shortages, and adapting to rising operational costs,' he said. The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has called on the government to urgently gazette the September 15 public holiday to provide legal clarity to employers. The additional holiday has triggered concerns within the manufacturing sector over compliance and planning, the group said. FMM said many businesses remain unclear whether the holiday falls under Section 8 or Section 9 of the Holidays Act 1951, which would affect their obligations under the Employment Act 1955. 'This is critical to provide legal clarity and enable businesses to plan operations, workforce scheduling, and ensure compliance with the Employment Act 1955,' said FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai. The group warned that manufacturers operating on shift-based or continuous cycles face higher risks from such unplanned disruptions. The four-day stretch from Saturday to Tuesday may force production lines to halt and restart, which FMM said would be inefficient and costly. It added that the cascading effects on supply chains, logistics and delivery timelines would be especially difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to manage. FMM advised employers to prepare buffer stock, adjust schedules, and communicate with workers, customers and suppliers to minimise operational risks. The group also reminded businesses to monitor the gazette and consider using the substitution option under Section 8, if applicable. It then reiterated its view that 'policy announcements must reflect clarity, consistency, certainty, and credibility,' adding that ad hoc decisions could undermine Malaysia's attractiveness to investors. * 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