KOTA KINABALU – The state government will not dismiss the development of hemp-based industries as it is keen to encourage downstream and upstream agricultural activities, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, today.
Jeffrey, who is also state agriculture and fisheries minister said this in response to a question on whether Sabah will consider developing the hemp industries, involving cultivation of hemp (cannabis sativa) and its downstream activities.
“We truly encourage downstream and upstream activities.
“The state also has received several proposals such as the construction of oil palm refineries.
“The same goes with any agriculture activities like pineapple and food processing,” he said during the state assembly sitting today.
The question was raised by (Moyog-Warisan) assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking, asking whether there had been any proposals to kickstart the hemp industry.
“Are there any industries, local or abroad which has proposed to develop the industrial hemp as a new cash crop?
“I’m aware the federal government, during the Pakatan Harapan administration had approved certain legislations to start this industry, including research and development as Sabah now has the opportunity to shift the focus on existing cash crop cultivation,” he said during the question-and-answer session.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey said Sabah has rejected the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board’s plans to expand its reach into Sabah.
“We have received their proposal, but we have rejected them following a meeting in the ministry.
“We will be establishing our own pineapple industry board instead,” he said. – The Vibes, September 22, 2021
