KOTA BELUD:The production of safe food is a priority for the country, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
“These days, with concerns regarding dangerous chemicals in food, it is crucial to support technologies that make safe, clean products,” he remarked.
Tangau said this during a working visit to the Sabah Theological College, where a new natural farming concept is taking root.
By using natural resources in place of artificial ones, the Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB), or Evangelical Church of Borneo-led institution, is hoping to create waves in how food is produced in the country.
“We live in a time where, for example, chickens are being injected with synthetic chemicals to make them fatter and are caged in small, enclosed areas.
“At the same time, chemicals being used for our crops are also getting out of hand — some of these pose a hazard to our health, including a possible risk of cancer,” said SIB treasurer-general Edwin Tupoloh.
He said in natural farming, the use of such chemicals was avoided in the process of fertilising, livestock feeding and medicine, resulting in healthier produce.
In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the concept, the college is already working on an organic chicken farm that is done on its own enterprise.
“As this concept is relatively less costly and makes use of natural resources that can be found easily, we are hoping to introduce it among the locals here.
This is especially crucial for those in rural areas, where more and more villagers are leaving for cities since it is economically unfeasible for them to tend to their farms,” he added.
To aid the institution’s efforts, a total of RM60,000 had already been approved by Tangau for the development of new facilities.
Tangau, who is president of the Barisan Nasional component party the United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation, was also present for its New Year and Christmas appreciation ceremony in the district.
He called for a show of solidarity among the party’s supporters, citing the need for unity under a strong leader and government.
“We are quick to judge the government because of all the misinformation about it, especially in social media.
“In truth, positive things are happening but we are rarely praised. Today, for example, the ringgit has been on an upward momentum, reaching 3.9880/9930 against the US dollar.
“It is a sign of good things to come, and was only made possible by solid leadership in the country,” he said.