Organic Farming Seen as Key Driver of Sabah’s Economic Growth
TAMPARULI: The organic farming industry has the potential to become a major contributor to Sabah’s economic growth by producing high-quality food, creating employment opportunities and expanding market access both domestically and internationally.
Chief Executive Officer of Mega Agriculture Technology Sdn. Bhd. (MATSB), Aster Lee, said rising consumer awareness of healthy lifestyles and chemical-free food has significantly increased demand for organic produce.
He said the industry not only contributes to food security but also stimulates local economic activities through continuous production, marketing and distribution of agricultural products.
“Organic farming carries significant economic value because demand for healthy food products continues to rise.
“At the same time, the industry creates employment opportunities for local communities and helps drive rural economic development,” he said.
He was speaking during a working visit by Tuaran Member of Parliament and Tamparuli state assemblyman Wilfred Madius Tangau to the MATSB farm in Kampung Topokon today.
According to Aster, the growth of an organic farm benefits not only the company itself but also surrounding communities by generating jobs, improving skills and increasing household incomes.
MATSB, which is owned by Taiwan-based Dar Sheng Agricultural Co. Ltd., began operations in Sabah in 2012 and has since emerged as one of the state’s leading producers of organic vegetables and fruits.
The company cultivates a variety of crops using modern organic farming technologies introduced from Taiwan to ensure consistent, high-quality and pesticide-free produce.
“Our agricultural products not only cater to the Sabah market but are also distributed to Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Brunei.
“This demonstrates that organic products grown in Sabah are competitive and capable of gaining a foothold in larger markets,” he said.
Aster noted that growing demand for organic produce provides Sabah with a valuable opportunity to position itself as a regional hub for premium food production.
Currently, MATSB operates 58 greenhouses equipped with modern agricultural technology to ensure stable output and maintain high quality standards.
The company also employs 22 permanent local workers from Topokon, Tamparuli, Wongkod and nearby villages, contributing directly to the socio-economic development of local communities.
He expressed confidence that organic farming will continue to expand and become an increasingly important sector in supporting Sabah’s long-term economic growth.
