DINNER CELEBRATION TO CELEBRATE 75 YEARS OF LIGS DIAMOND JUBILEE

The Dinner Ceremony in conjunction with the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of LIGS was held at the Grand Ballroom of The Magellan Sutera, Kota Kinabalu.

KOTA KINABALU, 21 February 2025 - The ceremony was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan Deputy Chief Minister I cum Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry of Sabah was also attended by YB Senator Datuk Edward Linggu Chairman of SRIB, Datuk Leonard Stephen Poyong Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry of Sabah, Datuk Zul Hadi bin Ahmad Director of the Agriculture Division of the Ministry of Economy, Deputy Permanent Secretaries of MAFFI, Mr. Sabdil bin Tanjong General Manager of LIGS as well Former LIGS General Managers and SRIB staff.

The Sabah Rubber Industry Board (SRIB) has been the main pillar in the development of the rubber sector in the state of Sabah since its establishment 75 years ago. Since its inception, LIGS has played an important role in promoting rubber cultivation, increasing production, as well as assisting smallholders in improving their standard of living.

As the agency responsible for the rubber industry in Sabah, SRIB is always committed to introducing modern technology and more efficient farming methods. Various initiatives have been introduced, including assistance programs for smallholders, as well as strategic collaboration with other agencies to increase the competitiveness of the rubber sector at the local and international level.

During its 75 years of existence, SRIB has witnessed various challenges and changes in the rubber industry, including fluctuations in global market prices as well as the transition to green and sustainable technologies. However, with continuous efforts, SRIB managed to ensure that the Sabah rubber industry continues to grow and contribute to the state's economy.

Now, with a focus on sustainability and innovation, SRIB strives to empower Sabah's rubber sector through the use of modern technology, empowering smallholders, and exploring new markets. This effort not only benefits the rubber industry but also helps improve the well-being of the local community.

As an institution that has survived for 75 years, SRIB remains committed to ensuring that the Sabah rubber industry remains relevant and competitive in the face of global challenges. With the support of the government, industry players, and the community, SRIB will continue to be a catalyst in advancing Sabah's rubber industry to a more glorious level.

The event began with a Video Montage presentation showcasing SRIB's efforts and involvement in Sabah's rubber industry over the past 75 years since its establishment. This was followed by a speech from the General Manager, who also served as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Diamond Jubilee Celebration, Mr. Sabdil bin Tanjong. In his speech, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the invited guests for gracing the event that evening. He stated that the purpose of the event was to appreciate the contributions of all LIGS staff and to reunite former employees, bringing back cherished memories among them. He emphasized that without their support, LIGS would not have stood strong throughout its 75-year history.

The official opening ceremony was then officiated with a symbolic launch by YB Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony for LIGS’s 75th Anniversary, featuring a 75 kg cake.

In conjunction with the 75th Diamond Jubilee Celebration, several individuals were honored with awards, including the Rubber Industry Development Award, which was presented to former SRIB General Manager, Mr. Zainal Rivai, in recognition of his 18 years of service leading SRIB in the rubber industry. Additionally, several smallholder rubber farmers were awarded the Best Smallholder Farmer Award for their outstanding achievements in rubber production.

The night’s activities were further enlivened with live band performances by the Champion and Runner-up of the Battle of the Bands competition, organized by the SRIB Sports Club Women's Committee. The event was also graced by guest performances from artists such as Marlini, Ricki Mara, Velvet Aduk, and Rich Gimbang from the band Estrange. To show appreciation to the attending guests, a lucky draw was held with a total of 75 prizes, including five grand prizes: a Sony PlayStation, a mountain bike, a motorcycle, a 75-inch television, and a vacation package.4o