Kundasang: Four red onion farmers in Sabah received RM215,000 in Pioneer Entrepreneur Grants from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) to boost local seed production.
The recipients were Shahrizal Denci from Kundasang (RM180,000), Hezzro Abie from Tambunan (RM25,000), Mohd Roslie Ahmaddani from Kota Marudu (RM5,000), and Justin Sansalu from Paitan, Sandakan (RM5,000).
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup presented the grants during his visit to the Mardi-assisted Red Onion Seed Production Plot in Kampung Tanah Merah, Mesilou.
He said the initiative is part of the Madani government’s efforts to strengthen the network of local red onion farmers and increase Sabah’s seed production capacity.
“Mardi also provides technical support including agronomy, disease control, farm management, and the use of quality seeds to ensure the project’s long-term success.
“This shows the government’s commitment to developing the local red onion industry and positioning Kundasang as the country’s main production hub by 2030,” he said.
Arthur said Sabah’s highland areas such as Kundasang, Tambunan and Ranau have strong potential for red onion cultivation due to their favourable agro-climatic conditions and fertile soil.
He said most of the country’s red onion supply is still imported, but efforts are ongoing to increase local production.
The imports from India, Pakistan and China amount to about RM600 million and shortages occur when these nations are confronted with climate disasters.
“As of 2025, about seven acres are planted with red onions in Sabah involving over 15 farmers under Mardi’s pilot projects. With continued government support, the cultivated area is expected to grow to more than 100 hectares by 2030, potentially reducing imports by up to 30 per cent,” he said.
Also present was Mardi Director-General Dato’ Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani.
Shahrizal Denci, 43, said he plans to expand his red onion farm to 40 acres starting October, targeting a yield of 200 metric tonnes.
“I have so far cultivated five acres, producing 20 metric tonnes over two planting seasons. Mardi’s research has shown that local red onion varieties can yield between four and six metric tonnes per hectare with proper agronomic practices.
“I believe this potential can make Sabah the country’s leading red onion producer,” he said.