Kota Kinabalu: Kiulu has the potential to emerge as a key hill paddy production area in Sabah, leveraging its hilly terrain and vast agricultural land, says Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
The Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Kiulu Assemblyman called on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry to explore the sub-district’s potential as a strategic hub for hill paddy cultivation.
“I strongly believe that with the support and guidance from the Ministry, Kiulu has the potential to become one of Sabah’s key hill paddy-producing areas while creating new opportunities for agro-tourism and community-based tourism,” he said at the “Jelajah Kebun Dapur” programme which was officiated by Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.
Joniston said the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had already identified several areas, including Kampung Tomis Jaya and Tomis Mangi Pangi in Kiulu, for consideration under the Ministry’s Hill Paddy Assistance Scheme.
To support future planning, he would seek the cooperation of all Kampung Development and Security Committee Chairmen in Kiulu to compile data on villagers interested in venturing into hill paddy cultivation and the total land area suitable for development.
“Any proposed development must be data-driven to ensure effective planning, targeted support and proper implementation,” he said.
Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said agriculture and tourism had been identified as viable means to strengthen the economic well-being of Kiulu communities.
Recognising the importance of agricultural infrastructure in unlocking the area’s potential, he said a significant portion of his annual assemblyman allocation had been channelled towards improving access to farming areas.
“From last year until this year, approximately RM3mil has been allocated for the construction and upgrading of around 90 agricultural roads, benefiting nearly 2,000 farmers and opening access to almost 5,000 acres of agricultural land,” he said.
Joniston also said Kiulu was expanding its agro-tourism potential and would soon enter into a Memorandum of Collaboration with the Cittaslow-listed township of Maija in Pingtung province in Taiwan to facilitate knowledge and experience exchange in sustainable rural development.
Cittaslow is an international network that recognises communities committed to sustainable development, preservation of local identity and improving quality of life, with Kiulu expected to become the first Cittaslow-recognised destination in Malaysia.
Recognised by the State Government as a model for rural and community-based tourism, Kiulu currently has more than 80 tourism operators offering various nature-based and community-driven experiences.
