Dr Jeffrey at the Coconut Seedlings Handover Ceremony here today.
TAMBUNAN: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan has announced plans to redevelop idle grazing fields in Tambunan into high-yielding coconut plantations.
“I am delighted that today marks the beginning of my vision to redevelop idle grazing fields in Tambunan into high-yielding coconut plantations, benefiting local villagers and contributing to sustainable economic development,” he said at the Coconut Seedlings Handover Ceremony here today.
The Government, in collaboration with the Malaysian Kuwaiti Investment Co Sdn Bhd (MKIC), aims to transform 23,490.56 acres of underutilised grazing fields in the district to improve the socio-economic status of the residents, create jobs and business opportunities.
This initiative is in line with the strategic development plan for Tambunan district 2022 – 2030 and is part of Sabah Maju Jaya’s focus on agriculture.
“Coconut industry is one of the development plans under Sabah Maju Jaya, focusing on agriculture alongside industrial and tourism development,” said Dr Jeffrey, who is also Tambunan Assemblyman.
Eight villages have been identified and selected for the first phase of the project, which will cover 3,400.75 acres of grazing fields.
The second phase will involve 30 additional villages with gazetted grazing fields.
MKIC has donated 5,000 coconut seedlings of Malaysian Yellow Dwarf (MYD) and Malaysian Red Dwarf (MRD) varieties to 38 villages and state government departments in the Tambunan district as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“It is my hope that high-yielding coconut plantations on Tambunan’s grazing fields will become a sustainable industry alongside existing agricultural activities, making Tambunan’s residents self-sufficient and fostering continuous development for future generations,” said Dr Jeffrey
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister also suggested establishing a coconut processing plant in Tambunan in the future, further emphasising the potential for economic growth in the area.
“To ensure the success of the coconut cultivation, I hope that MKIC, in collaboration with the Dataforce team in Tambunan, monitor the progress of the distributed coconut seedlings and provide further guidance and assistance,” he said.
