KOTA KINABALU: The first agricultural produce collection centre run by the Rural Development Corporation (RDC) is slated to open in May.

       The centre, which will be in Kundasang, is aimed at elevating the economy of the hilly district's vegetable farmers.

       In a statement on Wednesday (April 27), Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the facility can handle up to 50 tonnes of high-value agricultural products such as fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers at any given time.

       The collection centre will be opened by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, he added.

       "It is hoped to finally resolve the marketing issues for these farmers.

       "The Kundasang farmers lack a proper channel to market their products, leaving many with little alternative but to discard the produce. It is such a waste of time and money for them.

       "Additionally, our local farmers have always been victims of middlemen who buy their produce at a far lesser price, reducing the farmers' income.

       "Therefore, the construction of this collection centre in Kundasang is both relevant and timely, to ensure our farmers always have buyers while also meeting our increasing demands for fresh vegetables and fruits," he said.

       Kitingan, who is Sabah Agriculture and Fisheries Minister, earlier made a site visit to the collection centre in Kundasang on Tuesday (April 26).

       He said two other upcoming collection centres are in Kota Marudu and Beaufort, and are expected to be fully operational later this year.

       Three other centres are planned in Telupid, Lahad Datu and Keningau, with RM13mil in total allocated by RDC to build all six centres.

       All these centres will be equipped with facilities such as a collection area, grading system, chillers, packaging, transportation facilities and a variety of additional services deemed necessary to serve the local farming community.