Tawau: The government is actively working towards transforming Tawau and Kalabakan into modern agricultural hubs and training centres for the High-Level Technical and Vocational Education and Training (Hi-TVET) Programme, capitalising on the regions' strong agricultural potential. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that this initiative is a part of the federal government's broader plan to modernize the agricultural sector and cultivate a skilled workforce in Sabah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid clarified that this commitment is unrelated to the upcoming 17th Sabah State Election, emphasizing the long-term nature of the government's development plans. He highlighted the fertile land in Tawau and Kalabakan as a key factor in their development, advocating for the integration of modern agricultural practices alongside traditional methods.
During the Sentuhan Kasih DesaTanjung Batu Programme and the First Khatam ceremony of the Pre-Tahfiz Sabah Kemas kindergarten students at the Tawau Sports Complex, Ahmad Zahid, along with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Community Development director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man, discussed the importance of skilled workers in modern agriculture. He noted that TVET is central to economic transformation in the area and the introduction of high-value agro-technology TVET would establish Tawau as a new TVET hub in Sabah.
Currently, Sabah hosts 24 GiatMARA centres and a MARA Skills Institute (IKM) in Kota Kinabalu. However, Ahmad Zahid pointed out the necessity for a Hi-TVET centre in Tawau to improve the employability of local youths. Plans for a new polytechnic in Tawau also aim to strengthen the district's skills training ecosystem, reflecting the government's commitment to long-term regional development.
Ahmad Zahid reiterated that these initiatives are not election-driven promises but are part of a pre-determined developmental agenda set for immediate implementation. The Election Commission has scheduled November 29 as the polling day for the 17th Sabah State Election.