Chong should question RM950 mln paddy project failure in Parliament, halted after 2018 PH takeover

Lo addressing a press conference at the Media Room of Sarawak Legislative Complex on May 12, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, May 15: Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang today urged Padungan assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen to raise the RM950 million federal-led Batang Lupar paddy project issue in Parliament instead, asking him to seek answers directly from Putrajaya on what led to the project stalling after 2018, leaving only 196 hectares cultivated out of about 5,000 hectares planned.

Disclosing the history of the project, Lo said that out of the RM950 million repeatedly cited, only about RM500 million was actually committed by the federal government at the time, adding that the Batang Lupar Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) and granary project had already shown early groundwork before funding disruptions occurred.

He noted that even Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang had previously urged the federal government to expedite and continue funding for the project after it stalled following the change of administration in 2018. He added that such statements were reported publicly, including in The Sarawak News on Nov 25, 2023.

Lo described the Batang Lupar granary as spanning about 5,000 hectares across Entulang, Seduku, Gran/Stumbin/Tanjong Bijat, Lingga-Banting and surrounding areas under IADA Batang Lupar, with irrigation systems and pump stations already initiated before construction slowed and eventually stopped.

“After Pakatan Harapan took over Putrajaya in 2018, construction activities stopped and development funding was halted. The result is clear as by 2023, only 196 hectares were under cultivation,” he said during a press conference at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Complex’s Media Room today.

He added that instead of repeatedly criticising Sarawak leaders, Chong should “stand up in Parliament and ask what actually happened to the RM950 million and the promises made to Sarawak.”

“Chong is often very vocal when attacking Sarawak leaders, Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), or Sarawak policies. But when it comes to failures by the federal government in Malaya, especially during the Pakatan Harapan era, silence becomes the order of the day,” he said.
Lo also revisited broader federal commitments made under the Pakatan Harapan administration, including promises linked to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the return of Sarawak rights, and a pledge to return 50 per cent of tax revenue collected from the State.

“After winning power, Sarawakians heard that the PH manifesto was not the Bible,” he said, adding that many of the promises were not fulfilled.

He also cited delays involving the Pan Borneo Highway, including the termination of the Project Delivery Partner model, restructuring works, and reductions in allocations that affected maintenance and project continuity across the State.

Lo said federal allocation cuts also impacted basic infrastructure maintenance, including road upkeep, which led to overgrown roadside conditions in various parts of Sarawak.

He added that several development projects, including those in his own Batu Kitang constituency, were either cancelled or frozen during the period.

Lo contrasted this with the GPS administration under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, saying the Sarawak government had stepped in using its own funds to continue key infrastructure projects.

He said Sarawak had since completed 894 kilometres of roads and 17 bridges, including several major bridges initially affected by federal project changes.

Lo also highlighted Sarawak’s own efforts to strengthen food security through padi expansion initiatives in areas such as Kampung Pandam in Limbang and Kampung Sinampuan in Sundar, Lawas.

“After uncertainties in federal support, Sarawak moved forward using its own resources. That is the reality,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Lo reiterated his call for Chong to bring the issue to Parliament.

“If he truly cares about the RM950 million issue, then ask in Parliament what happened to the project, how much was cut, and what went wrong under the federal administration. Sarawakians remember,” he said. — DayakDaily