Grape, fig farm in Tamparuli impresses Tangau
TAMPARULI: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Wilfred Madius Tangau on Monday visited the JonGrapevins and Figs Garden at Kampung Bantayan, Tamparuli.
He was received and briefed by the farm owner Jontih Enghihon who is also the director of the Department of Minerals and Geoscience of Selangor and the Federal Territory.
What began as a hobby for Jontih, a Dusun from Tamparuli, has since grown into a garden which has the largest collection of grapes in terms of variety not just in Malaysia but South East Asia.
Jontih’s interest in growing grapes began when he worked as principal assistant director in the department in Perak where he served for eight years.
He was transferred back to Sabah a few years ago on promotion as deputy director, by which time he had also mastered the skill of growing fig trees.
After visiting the farm, Tangau who is also Trade and Industry Minister was full of praise for Jontih and urged local residents especially the youths to emulate the spirit of Jontih who was prepared to take risks.
He also exchanged ideas with Jontih to explore the possibility of government agencies or GLCs getting involved through jointventure to expand the farm and in the process creating possible employment opportunities for locals.
Tangau later joined Jontih and his family as well as Banyatan villagers in celebrating the New Year 2019. He was also briefed by the farm manager, Nonie Bansunin who is Jontih’s wife.
Also present were Tuaran PKR deputy divisional cum women chief Chrisnadia Sinam and Tamparuli Community Development Leader Jeffrey Teo.