Tenom: About 2,000 participants are expected to attempt a Malaysia Book of Records entry through a simultaneous kopi tarik preparation event during the Sabah Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day (HPPNS) 2026, to be held here from Oct 23 to 25.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the target was decided at the final meeting of the State-level HPPNS Main Committee, which he chaired.
He said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor was scheduled to officiate the opening of the three-day celebration on Oct 24 at 10am.
Alongside the record attempt, organisers are targeting about 4,000 visitors to the Sabah Coffee Festival, which will feature 70 exhibitors from across Sabah, as well as participants from Sarawak.
Some 200 exhibition and sales stalls showcasing agricultural, livestock and fisheries products, along with live animal displays, have been set up at the Tenom Town field and around the Dewan Datuk Seri Panglima Antanom grounds.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to view two new local varieties being introduced – the Kinabalu lampam fish and the spotted buffalo – developed through research by the Sabah Veterinary Services Department (DVS).
To facilitate travel, the Sabah Railway Department is providing a special three-day express train service between Tanjung Aru and Tenom throughout the event.
The four-carriage train, which has a capacity of 180 passengers, is scheduled to depart Tanjung Aru station at 6am. Fares are RM7.50 one way and RM15 for a return trip.
HPPNS 2026 will also recognise 177 farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and rubber smallholders through an awards presentation. These include 50 special awards for top-performing individuals and 15 youth entrepreneurs participating in the Kebun Dapur mentoring programme.
Boats and fishing equipment will also be distributed to 10 inland fishermen, while nine recipients from the local agritourism sector will be highlighted.
The event, covering approximately two acres, will feature entertainment on the evenings of Oct 23 and 24, including Kilauan Emas Karaoke, open karaoke sessions and performances by artists.
Jamawi said the State Government was also considering a proposal to establish a permanent HPPNS site in Tenom within the next five years.
He urged the public to attend the event and show their support for food producers, whom he described as the backbone of the nation’s food security.
