Kuching: The establishment of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board must translate into measurable outcomes for farmers, not just institutional restructuring, said ADUN for Pending, Violet Yong.
“A new building, a new institution, and a new letterhead do not automatically grow more rice,” she said during the debate on the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Violet noted that Sarawak’s rice self-sufficiency remains around 34% to 38%, calling it a strategic food security risk amid global supply instability.
She urged the government to commit the Board to a clear 60% self-sufficiency target, with annual performance benchmarks.
Highlighting key agricultural zones including Stumbin-Bijat in Sri Aman, Tanjung Purun in Lundu, Lubok Punggor in Gedong, and Tanjung Sebekut in Betong, she warned that many remain “pilot or developing zones” rather than proven production hubs.
“Identifying land on a map is one thing. Producing rice at scale consistently and sustainably is another,” she said.
Infrastructure and rural constraints
She called for stronger coordination with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) and Regional Development Authorities, stressing that irrigation, drainage, and rural roads are critical to productivity.
She also highlighted high logistics costs in interior areas and financing barriers faced by Native Customary Rights (NCR) farmers without formal land titles.
Violet also raised concerns about the increasing reliance on a narrow range of commercial rice varieties, warning that this could erode Sarawak’s agricultural biodiversity, including heritage strains such as Bario and Biris.
She proposed a State Seed Bank and Heritage Rice Registry to protect traditional varieties and safeguard farmer autonomy.
“This is not just about seeds. It is about control of our food system,” she said.
She also questioned whether the new Board would have authority to intervene in rice pricing during import fluctuations, warning it could otherwise become a passive coordinating body.
Strategic direction
She also urged Sarawak to adopt a high-value, low-volume strategy focused on premium rice markets such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Middle East.
Violet concluded that the Bill will only succeed if it strengthens farmer security rather than increasing dependency.
“Let us ensure that food security begins with farmer security and farmer security begins with freedom, diversity, and resilience,” she said.
