PENAMPANG: Sabah is hoping that the 2025 Budget would increase allocation for the state agricultural activities.
State Deputy Chief Minister-cum-state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said that Sabah needs more funds to address hardcore poverty in the state.
He added that recently the state government had revived Sabah Rice Board, to improve irrigation and paddy yields among others.
"We don't want to take over the work without changes in the budget. If it remains the same, we won't have a new plan.
"This time, we want the Ministry of Agriculture's budget to be increased," he told reporters after launching the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (Star) office for the Moyog division here.
He added that Sabah is also ready to enhance income and efforts so that our people no longer remain in poverty but can produce something, especially when they have land.
Jeffrey also proposed establishing a series of agricultural marketing authorities and increasing the number of agricultural product collection centres.
"Currently, there are seven, but we hope that one day all areas will have a gathering centre for agriculture," he said.
Regarding subsidies, Jeffrey highlighted the disparities between Sabah and Sarawak compared to Peninsular Malaysia, urging for continued support.