Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) has allocated a total of RM86 million in 2025 for development under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to strengthen infrastructure and projects related to the agricultural sector in Sabah.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup told the Dewan Negara that cumulatively, RM432.4 million has been approved under the First Rolling Plan to the Fifth Rolling Plan from 2021 to 2025 for the implementation of various agricultural development projects in Sabah.
“In 2025, RM13.8 million has been channeled for the implementation of projects under the Food Security Strengthening Programme which is implemented in collaboration between the Federal Government and the State Government to drive local and quick win agricultural land productivity in Sabah.
“Meanwhile, through the Sabah Agriculture Department, various projects are being implemented including the Paddy Crop Development Project, where farmers receive a ploughing subsidy of RM494 per hectare, fertiliser and pesticide subsidies, as well as disaster assistance in the event of crop damage due to natural disasters,” he said in response to a question from Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan in the Dewan Negara on Monday.
In addition, he said, the Crop Development Project provides various incentives covering the cost of opening areas, planting materials, agricultural inputs, farm equipment and basic infrastructure.
Arthur said that among the main focuses are banana and selected fruit crops, coconut and coffee, MD2 pineapple and high-productivity varieties, premium durian, cash crops and commercial vegetables.
In addition, he said that through the Sabah Veterinary Services Department, RM60 million was channeled under the 12MP for the Sabah Ruminant Empowerment Project for the acquisition of more than 10,000 beef cattle, 1,550 goats and 1,010 sheep.
“For fishermen in Sabah, two main forms of support are provided through the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM), namely the Subsidized Diesel and Petrol Oil Scheme at a rate of RM1.65 per litre to 6,700 people and the Fishermen’s Living Allowance worth RM300 per month which benefits to 7,496 fishermen.
At the same time, Arthur said the Federal Government is also strengthening the welfare of paddy farmers, especially for upland paddy, with an allocation of RM53 million in 2025 for Sabah and Sarawak.
In addition, he said farmers in Sabah will also be able to enjoy the Federal Government Paddy Fertilizer Scheme (SBPKP), Paddy Price Subsidy Scheme (SSHP), Paddy Production Incentives and Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP).
“Through a combination of subsidies, incentives, capacity development, takaful protection, and the implementation of strategic development projects, the Federal Government is confident that farmers, breeders and fishermen in Sabah will continue to benefit accordingly.
“This measure will not only reduce their operating costs, but also increase income, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure the country’s food security sustainably,” he said.
Arthur said that the KPKM always pays special attention to the Sabah Region so that farmers, breeders and fishermen receive fair benefits from various subsidy schemes and agricultural support programs channeled by the Federal Government.
Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan asked the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security to state the Ministry’s approach in ensuring that farmers in Sabah receive appropriate benefits from agricultural subsidy and support programs.
