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Daily Express
8 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Tawau emerging as a leading durian district
Published on: Friday, July 04, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 04, 2025 By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Nizam giving the thumb up to one of the durian growers. TAWAU: The growing demand for durian in both domestic and international markets is fuelling the expansion of new plantations in Tawau, reaffirming the district's position as a key durian producer in Sabah's East Coast region. According to the Sabah Agriculture Department, under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development initiative, Tawau is expected to see the addition of 100 hectares of durian cultivation this year, primarily driven by private sector investment. Another 40 acres are projected to be developed by smallholders. Advertisement Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, said the expansion would add to the district's current 336 hectares of durian plantations, largely concentrated in Apas, Balung, and Merotai. 'Tawau remains the leading durian-producing district on the East Coast, and there's still room for expansion, especially to meet export market demand,' he said during the Durian Crop Technology Transformation Course held at Dewan Sri Tawau, recently. Nizam encouraged farmers and rural communities in the district to seize the opportunity to venture into durian cultivation using modern agricultural techniques, with support and guidance from the Agriculture Department. He also urged industry players to ensure their produce meets quality and safety standards by adopting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) or organic farming methods, which can lead to certifications such as myGAP or myOrganic. 'We must ensure that our durian produce is safe for consumption and of high quality. 'This includes using certified planting materials and participating in training courses organised by the department, such as those that help farmers identify genuine durian seedlings,' he said. He emphasised that authenticity and quality assurance would play a crucial role in enhancing the competitiveness of Sabah's durian in premium markets. Also present were Sabah Agriculture Director Datuk Jifrin Mohamad, Assistant Director of the Crop Industry Development and Extension Division Jackson Ronald Jaimi, and Assistant Director of Research and Innovation ChM Alinah Abdul Rahman. Others included District Senior Agricultural Officer Abd Samat Injau, who served as co-secretariat for the event and Senior Principal Assistant Director of the Agricultural Extension and Technology Transformation Section Linda Lily Cosmas. * 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
Daily Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
GRS to Sabah PKR: Look at own mirror
Published on: Thursday, July 03, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 03, 2025 By: Amir Anuar Text Size: Nizam (left) was responding to Mustapha (right), who recently said PKR would reconsider its cooperation with GRS in the state election. TAWAU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) will continue prioritising the Sabahan development agenda despite recent legal issues involving several political figures in the state, said its Information Chief Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. Nizam, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Apas Assemblyman, said GRS, particularly Gagasan Rakyat, had been monitoring the situation and is prepared for any developments ahead of the coming state election. 'These issues appear to be driven by certain political interests and will not derail our coalition's focus on delivering what has been promised to the people of Sabah,' he said. 'We must remember that no one is guilty until proven so in court. We have confidence in the justice system and believe all individuals should be treated fairly under the law,' he added. He told reporters after officiating the Durian Crop Technology Transformation Course organised by the Sabah Agriculture Department at Dewan Sri Tawau, here. Nizam was responding to PKR State Leadership Council (MPN) Chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, who recently said PKR would reconsider its cooperation with GRS in the state election. Mustapha's comment followed allegations linking six political leaders from GRS component parties; three from Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) and three from Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) – to a reported mining-related controversy. Nizam said PKR should also reflect on its own situation, as some of its aligned parties are also facing legal scrutiny. 'There's no need to name anyone, but all parties are facing similar circumstances,' he said. He believes the situation will not disrupt the overall direction set by GRS under the leadership of the Chief Minister. According to Nizam, the current administration has managed to reposition Sabah on the right development track and will continue working towards long-term plans aimed at improving the state's future. * 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
