KOTA KINABALU: The government is committed to help rural micro-entrepreneurs through Agrobank’s micro-financing programmes, says Agriculture and Food Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.

       Speaking at the opening of the 139th Agrobank branch in Beluran on Sunday (Dec 5), he expressed hope that Agrobank would help develop the economic potential of the district.

       "I understand the difficulties faced by rural folk especially in the Beluran parliamentary constituency where they need to travel to Sandakan, 82km away, to get banking services especially for financing.

       "This Beluran Agrobank opening must be something they have been waiting for.

       "I hope it will help to improve the economic activities here and I urge agriculture entrepreneurs to continue grabbing opportunities to progress in the sector," he added.

       A pioneer in agriculture financing in Malaysia, Agrobank approved RM191mil in financing in Sabah in the first 10 months of the year, said Kiandee.

       According to a statement from Agrobank, Beluran was chosen as the latest location for a branch because of the agricultural activities and food processing industry in the district.

       It noted that these included sub-sectors like farming, fishing and the swiftlet birds' nest industry, and it was hoping to help under-served groups at the rural level.