Kiulu Poised to Become Sabah’s Key Hill Paddy Hub, Says Assemblyman

KIULU: Kiulu has the potential to emerge as a significant hill paddy production area in Sabah, capitalising on its hilly terrain and extensive agricultural land, said Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

Speaking during the “Jelajah Kebun Dapur” programme here, he urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI) to consider Kiulu’s potential as a strategic centre for hill paddy cultivation.

Organised by the Kiulu Sub-District Office in collaboration with the Kiulu Assemblyman’s Office and supported by MAFFI, the programme was officiated by Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar.

“I firmly believe that with MAFFI’s support and guidance, Kiulu could become one of Sabah’s leading hill paddy-producing regions, while also fostering new opportunities in agro-tourism and community-based tourism,” said Joniston, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security had already identified several areas, including Kampung Tomis Jaya and Tomis Mangi Pangi, for consideration under the Hill Paddy Assistance Scheme.

To aid future planning, Joniston said he would seek the cooperation of all Kampung Development and Security Committee chairmen in Kiulu to gather data on villagers interested in hill paddy cultivation and the land suitable for development.

“All development proposals must be data-driven to ensure effective planning, targeted support, and proper implementation,” he emphasised.

Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, highlighted agriculture and tourism as viable means to strengthen the economic wellbeing of Kiulu’s communities.

Recognising the importance of agricultural infrastructure, he revealed that a substantial portion of his annual allocation had been channelled towards improving access to farming areas.

“Since last year, approximately RM3 million has been allocated for constructing and upgrading around 90 agricultural roads, benefiting nearly 2,000 farmers and providing access to almost 5,000 acres of farmland,” he explained.

He also announced that Kiulu was expanding its agro-tourism offerings and would soon sign a Memorandum of Collaboration with Maija, a Cittaslow-listed township in Pingtung, Taiwan, to facilitate knowledge and experience exchange in sustainable rural development.

Cittaslow, an international network promoting sustainable development and the preservation of local identity, aims to improve quality of life. Kiulu is expected to become Malaysia’s first Cittaslow-recognised destination.

Recognised by the State Government as a model for rural and community-based tourism, Kiulu currently hosts over 80 tourism operators offering a range of nature-based and community-driven experiences.