Tenom: The Sabah Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNS) 2026 has boosted local economic activity and increased demand for Sabah State Railway services, with many visitors opting to travel by train to the event.
Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the surge in demand had caused congestion at Tanjung Aru Station during ticket purchases, highlighting the potential of railway services as an alternative mode of transport and a tourism attraction for the interior.
He said the limited capacity of train coaches needed to be addressed by the relevant authorities to accommodate growing passenger numbers, particularly ahead of Visit Tenom Year 2027, which would feature railway journeys as part of the district’s tourism packages.
Meanwhile, about 4,000 participants took part in a mass kopi tarik (pulled coffee) activity during HPPNS 2026 in Tenom in an attempt to set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records.
The activity was led by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
Jamawi said the activity also provided an opportunity to promote local products, particularly coffee produced by local entrepreneurs, while showcasing Sabah’s food and beverage industry.
He said both attractions were expected to draw more visitors to Tenom, support local entrepreneurs and stimulate tourism and agro-food industry growth in the State’s interior.
