KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is hoping to have a centre to process fruits especially when they are in season.
Its director Ribin Wahid said durian, for instance, was beginning to be sold but soon other areas will start to bear fruits, paving the way for developing and marketing durian-based products.
He said the processing centre, worth RM2 million, would be built at Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
“The project has been approved but put on hold due to financial constraints.
“We hope the government will look into this project that will benefit the industry,” he said during the State Agriculture and Food Industry Assistant Minister Dr Daud Yusof’s visit at Fama office in KKIP here.
Meanwhile, after attended the briefing by Sabah Fama, Daud said the Ministry would look into improving road infrastructures to help develop the agricultural sector.
“Cultivation and infrastructure should come in one package. The ministry will bring the matter to relevant agencies especially the Public Works Department.
“We will also conduct more research to improve agriculture products, as well as storage facility for marketing purposes,” he said.
Daud also said the ministry would recruit more youth from colleges and universities into the agriculture industry.
“Agriculture is a business and people can earn good money. This industry is also one of the ways (for government) to create jobs for young people,” he added.