Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is stepping up efforts to safeguard food security through a wide-ranging strategy centred on boosting local production and strengthening supply chains, amid concerns over rising fuel costs.
Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry Datuk Hendrus Anding said the State Government has rolled out multiple initiatives to ensure food supply remains stable and sufficient statewide, including in Sungai Sibuga.
A key measure is the Kitchen Garden (Kebun Dapur) initiative, introduced this year to encourage households to produce their own food using available space such as backyards and open areas.
The programme promotes sustainable cultivation of crops, small-scale livestock, and freshwater aquaculture, supported by modern farming techniques to improve yields.
Responding to a question from Sungai Sibuga assemblywoman Nurulalsah Hassan Alban in the State Legislative Assembly, Hendrus said the initiative also aims to build public awareness on self-sufficiency through outreach programmes, including the Kebun Dapur roadshow.
“People are encouraged to grow vegetables, herbs, and carry out small-scale farming at home to support their household food needs,” he said, adding that surplus produce can also be sold to generate extra income.
In Sungai Sibuga, the Agriculture Department has implemented five food crop development projects covering five hectares, involving pandan coconut, Musang King durian, Harumanis mango, and chilli.
Three farmers in the constituency also received grants totalling RM65,980 under the Food Industry and Entrepreneur Development Programme, generating a combined sales value of RM280,000 in 2025.
To further strengthen food supply, the Fisheries Department is implementing programmes to increase marine and freshwater aquaculture production, support local fishers and develop high-value species, alongside initiatives under the blue economy and downstream fisheries sector.
Meanwhile, the Veterinary Services Department is enhancing local feed production, strengthening supply chains, and providing technical assistance to livestock breeders to reduce reliance on imports and manage rising operational costs.
Among the initiatives are the development of the Bantayan poultry farm to boost local chick supply, the expansion of the ruminant meat industry, and the establishment of more structured pig farming zones to ensure a stable protein supply.
“For certain commodities such as chicken, the government will continue to regulate supply through import approvals to address shortages and stabilise the market,” he said.
In addition, Ko-Nelayan is improving fisheries infrastructure, including landing jetties, collection centres, cold storage, and logistics, to reduce waste and improve distribution efficiency.
It is also expanding downstream activities, including processing and packaging, while promoting digital marketing through the e-KAN platform and strengthening aquaculture through community-based fish farming projects.
Hendrus said these combined strategies aim to ensure consistent access to essential food supplies, particularly in areas like Sungai Sibuga, through a balance of local production, logistics support, and coordinated supply management.
