By SANDRA SOKIAL

KOTA KINABALU: In a move to address declining self-sufficiency and global food security challenges, the State Legislative Assembly passed the Agricultural Produce Board (Amendment) Enactment 2024 on Thursday, aiming to harness technology and commercial farming.

The Bill, which focuses on revitalising Sabah’s rice production sector, was introduced by Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and debated by representatives from Bongawan, Kapayan, and Sindumin.

While acknowledging that the RM1.82mil allocated to his Ministry in the 2025 Sabah Budget may seem modest, Kitingan emphasised that the funds would be carefully distributed in phases.

The Bill’s amendments consist of 12 clauses, designed to enhance the legal framework supporting the Sabah Padi and Rice Board and improve coordination and enforcement among agricultural agencies.

“This Bill is especially timely, given the global geopolitical pressures, including the crises in Ukraine and Palestine, as well as the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which have amplified concerns over food security,” Kitingan said.

He further added that these global uncertainties have highlighted Sabah’s vulnerability to disruptions in rice supply, with the state relying heavily on imports from countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Published Date: November 21, 2024