Kota Kinabalu: The State Government’s plan to achieve only 60 per cent self-sufficiency in rice production by 2030 is too small and too long given the immediate needs of Sabahans, according to Senallang Assemblyman Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
“Why only 60 per cent and only by 2030? Why so slow when people need these necessities every day,” he said.
He called for short-term plans to reduce the cost of basic food items, noting the economic challenges faced especially by rural communities.
“I ask about the cost of food because this worries me. When I go to the ground, many of our children and rural communities are faced with very high costs of living,” he said.
Shafie said Sabah has abundant natural resources that should enable greater self-sufficiency in food production.
“In what direction are we moving to ensure we do not remain dependent? We have all the resources, rice, fish and vegetables.
“Surely we can develop a framework to ensure that these daily necessities become not just a priority but essential items that we can increase production of,” he added.
He also called for reforms to safeguard Sabah against global trade disruptions and healthcare shortcomings.
“We need proactive measures to mitigate the impact of recent US trade policies, which have imposed a 24 per cent tariff on Malaysian exports,” he said.
With about RM200 billion worth of Malaysian goods including a significant portion of microelectronics exported annually to the US, he said there could be potential ripple effects on Sabah’s economy.
“The State Government must not remain complacent in the face of these external pressures.
“While the Federal Government will undoubtedly address national-level implications, Sabah must take steps to diversify its trade partnerships and strengthen domestic value chains,” he said.
He also spoke about structural labour market challenges, particularly the underemployment of local graduates.
“Despite holding qualifications, many Sabahan youths struggle to secure jobs that match their skills, leading to migration in search of better opportunities,” he said.
He therefore urged for better collaboration between academic institutions and industries to align education with labour market demands.
“We must ensure our workforce is equipped with relevant competencies to meet the needs of evolving industries.
“This requires targeted policy interventions, including enhanced technical and vocational training programmes,” he said.
On public health, Shafie raised concern over medical resource shortages, including specialist services, essential medicines and vaccines.
“The current healthcare infrastructure is stretched beyond capacity, particularly in rural areas where access to specialists is limited,” he said.
He cited the shortage of cardiologists, with only one specialist based in Kota Kinabalu serving the entire State.
“Patients in districts like Keningau must travel hours for critical cardiac care an untenable situation that demands immediate resolution,” he said.
Proposing a long-term solution, Shafie suggested exploring State-level pharmaceutical production through international partnerships.
“Reducing reliance on national suppliers would enhance medicine availability and affordability for Sabahans,” he said.
He called for concrete action plans rather than aspirational targets.
“The people require tangible solutions, not rhetoric. We must see accelerated timelines for food security, structured workforce development programmes and measurable improvements in access to healthcare,” he said.
