Road To HPPNK: Platform To Strengthen Ties Between Govt, Agro Community In Sabah

TAWAU, July 5 (Bernama) -- The Road to National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNK) programme in Sabah this year serves as an ideal platform to foster closer ties between the government and the agro-community in the state.

Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said farmers, breeders and fishermen in Sabah are vital pillars of the nation’s food security and deserve recognition for their contributions.

“This programme celebrates those who have contributed to the country’s agro-food sector. At the same time, we want to bridge the gap between the government and stakeholders, industry players, producers and entrepreneurs to strengthen the sector.

“I see encouraging response to this two-day Road to HPPNK programme here. We are targeting 20,000 visitors and I believe we will easily meet that target as more people are expected to attend.”

He told reporters this after officiating at the Road to HPPNK @ Tawau programme, organised by the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) at the Tawau Municipal Council today.

A total of 12 Agro MADANI sales booths, 40 entrepreneur booths and seven exhibitor booths are participating in the event, which targets RM100,000 in business transactions.

Arthur said a similar programme will also be held in Sook, Keningau from July 18 to 20, ahead of the main HPPNK 2025 event scheduled at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu from Aug 1 to 3.

In his speech, he noted that the agro-food sector contributes about seven to 10 per cent to Sabah’s gross domestic product annually.

“Sabah is also one of the main contributors to the country’s fisheries sector, accounting for 14.5 per cent of marine landings and 45.6 per cent of national aquaculture output,” he said.

He added that the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has allocated RM86.66 million to Sabah this year for the implementation of 42 agriculture, fisheries and livestock development projects.

Arthur said the ministry is also implementing various initiatives to support the agro-community in Sabah, including the provision of cost-of-living allowances for 7,496 fishermen through LKIM.

“The diesel and petrol subsidy scheme is ongoing, benefiting 5,600 fishermen in Sabah who receive subsidised fuel at RM1.65 per litre. Additionally, RM2 million has been channelled under the Fishermen’s Housing Special Project, including RM300,000 in Tawau to benefit 15 families.

“The Fishermen’s Natural Disaster and Welfare Fund has also assisted 74 fishermen in Sabah as of May 2025,” he said.

At the event, Arthur also flagged off the Road to HPPNK 2025 motorcycle convoy, which will tour several districts in Sabah, including Sandakan, Nabawan, Keningau, Papar and Kota Kinabalu, before concluding at SICC.

Visitors to the two-day programme in Tawau can look forward to various activities, including a fun run, e-sports competitions and the Tawau Idol contest.

-- BERNAMA