GRS’ JAPLIN VOWS TO REVIVE IDLE PADI FIELDS, BOOST AGRICULTURE IN USUKAN

By Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri

KOTA BELUD, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Convinced of the vast potential of the agricultural sector, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) candidate for the Usukan seat, Datuk Japlin Aki, is determined to revive idle padi fields and drive agricultural economic development in the constituency if given the mandate in the 17th Sabah State Election.

Japlin, 58, said Usukan was once among Sabah’s key rice-producing areas, but much of its padi land is now left uncultivated, affecting the productivity and income of local farmers.

“In Usukan, we have quite a large area of padi land, and at one time it was left idle. I believe that if I become the elected representative, one of my priorities will be to reopen and reactivate these fields so that farmers can once again earn an income from padi cultivation,” he told Bernama recently.

The Usukan Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (PGRS) division chief said his commitment to agricultural development is not merely a campaign promise, but is grounded in personal experience and a career deeply rooted in the sector since childhood.

“I am a farmer’s son. I grew up living the life of a farmer. Later, I studied at Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, earning a degree in agribusiness. So my foundation in agriculture is strong,” he said.

Japlin said his career path further equipped him to lead efforts to expand Usukan’s agricultural sector.

“I worked for 15 years, starting as an officer at the Village Development Cooperative, then for 10 years at the Farmers’ Organisation Authority (LPP). After becoming an elected representative in 2004, I was appointed State Assistant Minister of Agriculture,” he said.

He said this track record strengthens his belief that Usukan can once again emerge as a viable food-producing region, particularly in padi and rubber cultivation, as well as in strengthening the fisheries and livestock sectors.

According to him, the current idle condition of agricultural land stems from a lack of coordinated focus in the past, but this can be remedied with proper planning and strategic implementation.

“In my view, I am the most suitable person to drive this agenda based on my background, education, and work experience,” he said.

Facing a six-cornered contest, Japlin is among those challenging former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Salleh Said Keruak of Barisan Nasional (BN) and Kota Belud MP Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis of Warisan.

Japlin said his focus is not on who his opponents are, but on the kind of service and offerings he can bring to the people of Usukan.

“I do not feel challenged or surprised… I am not thinking about who I will be contesting against. What matters to me is serving the people,” he said.

He also said that his grassroots service did not begin with the campaign period but has been ongoing since 2020.

Japlin said Usukan has strong potential to become a leader in Kota Belud’s agricultural sector through the modernisation of traditional farming and the reactivation of idle land as a new economic resource for residents.

Polling has been fixed for Nov 29, while early voting is on Nov 25. 

For the latest news on the state election, visit https://prn.bernama.com/sabah/index.php.

-- BERNAMA