SABAH youths should move beyond viewing agriculture as traditional work and instead embrace it as a modern career and business opportunity capable of generating income and strengthening the rural economy, Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said.
Masidi, who is also State Finance Minister, said the adoption of technology and knowledge could transform agriculture into a more commercially viable sector while creating greater economic opportunities for rural communities.
“Agriculture today is no longer merely a traditional occupation. It can develop into a modern sector with the potential to generate income and strengthen the rural economy,” he said.
He urged communities to apply the knowledge and skills gained through agricultural courses and programmes by developing farming activities that were more productive and commercially viable.
“With more people venturing into this field, we can strengthen the rural economy and advance Sabah’s agriculture sector,” he said when officiating the Mukim Tambiau Mohimboyon Organic Fertiliser Production Innovation Course at Kampung Kibbas Sokid in Ranau on Tuesday, in a speech delivered by his political secretary Johari Suhaimin.
Masidi said the State Government continued to create opportunities for youths through various forms of assistance and entrepreneurship support, including the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Success Scheme (Syabas) and the Young Agropreneur Programme.
He said the initiatives reflected the Government’s commitment to developing not only youths actively involved in agriculture but also young entrepreneurs capable of driving the State’s agricultural industry.
The organic fertiliser course was organised to provide the local community with knowledge and practical skills in producing organic fertiliser for agricultural use.
The programme also encouraged participants to turn organic materials that might otherwise be discarded as waste into useful agricultural inputs.
A total of 30 participants from various age groups took part in the course and received certificates of participation. - August 18, 2026
