MAFFI Launches RAER

3 April 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry (MAFFI), has launched the Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution (RAER), a six-year initiative aimed at revitalising the rural economy through targeted programmes in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, entrepreneurship, and downstream industries.

Approved by the Sabah State Cabinet, RAER will run from 2025 to 2030, with an initial allocation of RM10 million for its first year.

This initiative is set to directly benefit rural communities across Sabah, with a long-term vision of building resilient and productive rural economies that can make significant contributions to the state’s overall growth.

Core Objectives of RAER:

To increase agricultural productivity and ensure food security in Sabah and beyond.

To diversify household income sources in rural areas.

To reduce rural unemployment through expanded opportunities in the agri-sector.

To stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic growth across Sabah’s countryside.

MAFFI will act as the lead implementing agency, coordinating efforts across ministries, departments, government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), government-linked investment companies (GLICs), academic institutions, private sector partners, and community organisations.

Rather than relying on a single entity, RAER envisions the establishment of multiple implementing anchors, including from the commercial sector, to lead specific programme clusters, foster inter-agency coordination, and ensure excellence in delivery across its components.

The initiative is founded on the belief that rural transformation must be a collective effort, involving policymakers, civil servants, community leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and local residents.

RAER aims to foster this collaboration by promoting the unifying slogan “Unity is Duty”, encouraging all Sabahans to engage actively in the state’s rural revitalisation movement.

The programme targets the participation of 100,000 individuals or rural households, placing a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, innovation, and operational excellence.

It is projected to generate between RM2.0 billion and RM3.0 billion in economic value for Sabah by the end of its implementation period in 2030.

The official launch of RAER will take place on 1st May 2025 in Tambunan, coinciding with the Sabah Kaamatan Festival.