Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, lauded the metal farming project undertaken by Botanickel Sabah in collaboration with the Kampung Pahu Pinawantai community as being fully aligned with the state’s development agenda (SMJ).
Joachim stated that this initiative introduces an innovative approach to both the agricultural and mineral sectors.
He highlighted the project’s use of phytoextraction technology, a novel approach in Sabah, particularly in Ranau.
“The utilization of hyperaccumulator plants, unique to Sabah, is a method to optimize the state’s resources and output,” he said.
Speaking at the launch of the Pahu Farm Project in Kampung Pahu Pinawantai, Joachim who also serves as the Minister of Local Government and Housing, emphasized that the project demonstrates the potential of combining innovation in the agro-mineral field to generate new economic returns for the people of Sabah.
According to the Kundasang assemblyman, the technology effectively isolates heavy metals from less fertile soil, thereby restoring soil productivity.
He added that in addition to benefiting the agricultural sector, the project has the potential to stimulate the tourism sector, a key strength of Ranau.
Transferring the technology to the community also develops human capital, thereby improving the well-being of the people.
Joachim noted that the implementation of the Metal Farming project clearly supports all three pillars of the SMJ Direction: agriculture, industrial and tourism sectors; human capital development and the well-being of the people; and infrastructure network with green sustainability.
He said Botanickel Sabah’s initiative with the villagers proves that scientific research can be practically applied in rural community development.
The event also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Botanickel Sabah and the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, and the Ranau District Office.
Joachim explained that this strategic collaboration represents a form of generating funds from the private sector through engagement, investment, or smart partnerships with government agencies.
He added that the experience of the Kampung Pahu Pinawantai community in the project with Botanickel over the past 10 years proves that this cooperation model can be strengthened more systematically.
“Through this pre-commercial project, cooperation can optimize resource allocation and reduce error risks, thereby saving costs. More importantly, it increases the confidence of the villagers and reduces the migration of youth to the city to find work,” he explained.
With the launch of Pahu Farm, he said that this field plot will be the main location for scientific agricultural experiments by Botanickel together with researchers from TANiLAB UiTM, which will then be practiced sustainably by the local community.
Joachim stated that this initiative introduces an innovative approach to both the agricultural and mineral sectors.
He highlighted the project’s use of phytoextraction technology, a novel approach in Sabah, particularly in Ranau.
“The utilization of hyperaccumulator plants, unique to Sabah, is a method to optimize the state’s resources and output,” he said.
Speaking at the launch of the Pahu Farm Project in Kampung Pahu Pinawantai, Joachim who also serves as the Minister of Local Government and Housing, emphasized that the project demonstrates the potential of combining innovation in the agro-mineral field to generate new economic returns for the people of Sabah.
According to the Kundasang assemblyman, the technology effectively isolates heavy metals from less fertile soil, thereby restoring soil productivity.
He added that in addition to benefiting the agricultural sector, the project has the potential to stimulate the tourism sector, a key strength of Ranau.
Transferring the technology to the community also develops human capital, thereby improving the well-being of the people.
Joachim noted that the implementation of the Metal Farming project clearly supports all three pillars of the SMJ Direction: agriculture, industrial and tourism sectors; human capital development and the well-being of the people; and infrastructure network with green sustainability.
He said Botanickel Sabah’s initiative with the villagers proves that scientific research can be practically applied in rural community development.
The event also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Botanickel Sabah and the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Parks, and the Ranau District Office.
Joachim explained that this strategic collaboration represents a form of generating funds from the private sector through engagement, investment, or smart partnerships with government agencies.
He added that the experience of the Kampung Pahu Pinawantai community in the project with Botanickel over the past 10 years proves that this cooperation model can be strengthened more systematically.
“Through this pre-commercial project, cooperation can optimize resource allocation and reduce error risks, thereby saving costs. More importantly, it increases the confidence of the villagers and reduces the migration of youth to the city to find work,” he explained.
With the launch of Pahu Farm, he said that this field plot will be the main location for scientific agricultural experiments by Botanickel together with researchers from TANiLAB UiTM, which will then be practiced sustainably by the local community.
