KENINGAU: One of Asia’s most prominent agricultural entrepreneurs, Prof (Adjunct) Datuk Yap Yun Fook, has been named as mentor for the country’s agro-entrepreneurs by the Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry (MoA).MoA Secretary-General Datuk Mohd Sallehhudin Hassan said Yap, who is the recipient of the Malaysian Livestock Industry Award 2018, had achieved huge successes in agriculture and fisheries industries just by using his experience.“Yap has developed various industries in the past 37 years that cover agriculture, livestock, and fisheries.
“His expertise is derived from his first-hand experience on the field and not from the classroom… he (Yap) knows the intricacies of the industry,” he said when met after visiting Yap’s several farms here on Sunday. Mohd Sallehhudin said MoA would utilise Yap’s expertise in efforts to produce successful entrepreneurs in the country. Also present at the visit were Agriculture Director-General Datuk Jamal Harizan Yang Razali and MoA Deputy Secretary-General (Development) Datuk Salim Parlan.
Mohd Sallehhudin said as the national agriculture adviser, Yap’s role was crucial in efforts to provide agricultural infrastructure in the country.Mohd Salehhudin’s views were shared by Jamal Harizan who said the country’s only outstanding integrated farm was owned by Yap, located in Bomboi Keningau, Sabah.“Yap develops and establishes eco-friendly farms. There is no wastage because all wastes are used for other development,” he said.He said approach introduced by Yap should be developed as the best-integrated farm model to be practised in the country.