KOTA KINABALU: A joint venture agreement for a coconut plantation project on grazing reserve land in Tambunan was signed today, marking a key moment in the district's economic development.
The collaboration involves Padang Ragut Trustees, Koperasi Pembangunan Ekonomi Rakyat Tambunan Berhad (Kopper), the Assistant Collector of Land Revenue, and Malaysian Kuwaiti Investment Co (MKIC).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan, who witnessed the signing ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), praised the initiative and highlighted its potential to transform idle grazing lands into productive agricultural assets.
"The coconut plantation project covers five villages - Kampung Tondulu, Kampung Papar, Kampung Noudu, Kampung Toboh, and Kampung Kuala Namadan. This will not only create job opportunities but also improve the overall standard of living for the local communities."
Jeffrey, who is also the state's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry, added that there is a need to utilise idle grazing lands, which total 9,507.58 hectares in Tambunan but have remained largely underused.
"Many of these lands have been left dormant due to a reduction in livestock like buffaloes and cattle. Through this project, we can turn what was once considered 'lazy assets' into productive economic resources," he said.
Present at the event was city mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitha, who played a key role in initiating the partnership.
"This initiative isn't just about agriculture; it's about improving livelihoods. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits—such as job creation, dividends, and skill-sharing - reach every corner of these five villages," he added.
Jeffrey also said that the Sabah State Cabinet had recently approved changes to allow grazing reserve lands to be used for agricultural purposes, with the consent of land trustees.
"This new policy enables us to maximise the use of these lands for projects like the coconut plantation. The five villages have worked hard to prepare for this, and I hope other communities in Tambunan will follow their lead," he said.