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Asfia (centre) speaks to the media while DUS Deputy Speaker Dato Idris Buang (left) and DUS secretary Nur Azhar Bujang look on during the press conference at PBB headquarters in Jalan Bako, Kuching on May 9, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)Advertisement
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 9: The First Meeting of the Fifth Term of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) will be held over eight days from May 11 to 20, 2026.
DUS Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said the sitting will take place at Level 8 of the DUS Complex starting at 9am daily, with no sittings on the weekend (May 16 and 17).
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He said the sitting will be officiated by Sarawak Governor (TYT) Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar on May 11, followed by lunch and a State banquet dinner in the evening.
“A total of four bills are expected to be tabled during this session, namely the Supplementary Supply (2025) Bill, 2026; Supplementary Supply (2026) Bill, 2026; Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026; and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026,” he said at a press conference at Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters in Jalan Bako here today.
Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom will table the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026, while the remaining bills will be tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
Asfia said the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026 is a new legislation aimed at strengthening food security through the establishment of a statutory body to coordinate and develop the padi and rice industry in the State.
He said the proposed board will regulate and oversee the sector, in line with Sarawak’s constitutional authority over agriculture and land matters.
“As enshrined in the Federal Constitution, Sarawak has the power to legislate on agriculture and land, subject to written law,” he said.
Asfia said the Bill also seeks to prevent land ownership disputes by designating specific State land areas for padi development.
He added that the legislation provides a comprehensive definition of padi and rice, covering all varieties and related products, and outlines the board’s functions, fund management, regulatory powers, and appointment of key officers.
The Bill also includes a locality map identifying seven State land areas earmarked for padi development.
On the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Asfia said it involves administrative updates, including revisions to definitions and governance structure.
He said the amendment also updates senior management terminology from “general manager” to “group general manager” to reflect current governance practices.
The question-and-answer (Q&A) session will run for four days from May 12 to 15. Asfia said a total of 333 questions were received, with 254 for oral replies and 79 for written replies.
“The Sarawak Premier’s Office received the highest number of questions at 50,” he said.
He added that bills will be tabled by the respective ministers from May 12 to 14, while debate on the motion of appreciation for the TYT’s speech will take place from May 13 to 15.
Ministers will deliver winding-up speeches from May 18 until the final day of the sitting on May 20.
Also on May 13, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya will table a ministerial motion under Standing Order 23(1)(a) on the appointment of a Special Select Committee pursuant to Section 42(3) of the Sarawak Ombudsman’s Ordinance 2023.
Also present at the press conference were DUS Deputy Speaker Dato Idris Buang and DUS Secretary Nur Azhar Bujang. — DayakDaily
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