100 hectares Rice Cultivation Project

The State Government is progressing smoothly in achieving the state’s self-sufficiency level (SSL) to 60 per cent by 2030. Sabah needs at least 400,000 tons of rice annually. Domestic rice production can supply only 20 per cent of the state’s need.

Sawit Kinabalu Group, a state government-linked company (GLC) and the state Agriculture, Fishery and Food Industry Ministry has embarked on a 100- hectare rice pilot project at Kampung Ongkilan, Kota Marudu, to help boost food security, and especially rice. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the RM5 million pilot project uses sophisticated technology applications, including drones, in rice cultivation operation and maintenance; and systematic water pump and irrigation system. The government will continue to handle food security wisely and effectively to meet the people’s demand, Hajiji said, on 13 August 2024, at the launching of the pilot project.

Kota Marudu has 2,600 hectares of available padi fields. Sawit Kinabalu’s rice initiative in Kota Marudu – in addition to being in line with the Government’s aspiration to develop the state’s rice productivity – also operate palm oil plantations and mills; and the barramundi (Siakap) breeding project in the district. Among state's GLCs, Sawit Kinabalu is at the forefront, constantly taking proactive actions in bolstering the state’s main economic growth sectors as stipulated in the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya, Hajiji said.