RM50,000 Interest-free Loans For Young Sabah Agro-entrepreneurs

KOTA KINABALU, April 29 (Bernama) -- The Sabah government is providing interest-free loan facilities of up to RM50,000 for youths to start agriculture ventures, as part of the Kebun Dapur Initiative, which aims to strengthen food security in the state. 

Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the loans, made available through Sabah Credit Corporation (PPS) are specifically targeted at youths who wish to venture into agricultural activities, empowering them as new drivers of the state's agro-food sector. 

“The initiative also aims to help increase the income of young agro-entrepreneurs while reducing the state's dependence on external food sources,” he said when winding-up for his ministry at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today. 

He said the programme is being empowered through the Kebun Dapur Initiative as the main platform to improve the socio-economic standing of farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen. 

According to him, the initiative focuses on sustainable agricultural production by utilising spaces around residential areas such as home compounds, open spaces and the use of recycled materials.

Jamawi said the approach would not only help to reduce households' daily living costs, but would also open up opportunities to generate income through the sale of surplus produce.

He said the government has also established approximately 18 agricultural produce collection centres throughout Sabah to facilitate Kebun Dapur participants in marketing their produce in a more organised and efficient manner.

Meanwhile, Sabah Rural Development Minister Datuk Rubin Balang in winding up for his ministry said the proposed construction of the new Kota Belud District Office is currently at the design stage, with implementation progress at approximately 30 per cent.

He said a briefing on the project's design was conducted by the Public Works Department (JKR) to the Kota Belud District Office on April 13. 

"The construction is expected to commence in January 2027 with a duration of 30 months. The project is expected to be completed in June 2029 with the ceiling allocation of RM13 million," he said.

Sabah Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk James Ratib, in winding up the debate for his ministry, said that for 2026, repair and upgrading works for a total of 20 schools under the dilapidated building category of 'scale 7' are currently under way, involving a total cost of RM1.47 billion.

He said as of April 28 this year, the Sabah State Education Department (JPNS) had received RM94.7 million for the repair and upgrading works, while in 2025, an allocation of RM11.55 million had been channelled for the re-construction of 13 dilapidated school buildings under the 'scale 6' category.

According to him, Sabah's geographical factors, including its interior and island areas, pose major challenges in terms of cost and logistics in the implementation of the projects. 

"As such, the development approach is being carried out in a phased and targeted manner to ensure effectiveness and optimal impact on pupils and the school community," he added.

-- BERNAMA