Hajiji (right) discussing matters with Ruslan during the courtesy call at Menara Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, today.
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor has agreed that the 2026 Sabah-level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day (HPPNS) celebration be held in the districts, rather than being confined to Kota Kinabalu.
The move is aimed at bringing the programme closer to local communities, while benefiting farmers, livestock breeders, fishermen and traders in the host district.
The agreement was conveyed when Hajiji received a courtesy call from the HPPNS 2026 Main Committee, led by Assistant Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Ruslan Muharam, who is also the committee’s Deputy Chairman, at Menara Kinabalu here today.
Also present were Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry (MAFFI) Permanent Secretary Datuk Ts. Jifrin Haji Mohamad and members of the HPPNS 2026 Main Committee.
Ruslan said Hajiji had been invited to officiate the HPPNS 2026 celebration, scheduled to be held in Tenom from Oct 23 to 25, with the opening ceremony on Oct 24.
The celebration is expected to attract about 20,000 visitors.
“The Chief Minister fully supports taking the HPPNS celebration to the districts because this approach provides opportunities for local traders, while making it easier for farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen to bring their produce to be displayed and marketed,” he said.
He said holding HPPNS in the districts would also allow local communities to visit the event, thereby helping to stimulate economic and business activities in the area.
According to him, holding the event in Tenom also opens the way for HPPNS to be held on a rotational basis in other districts in future, instead of being confined to Kota Kinabalu.
He said the celebration would also provide recognition through various awards to successful agro-entrepreneurs, livestock breeders and fishermen.
