S’wak agrees in principle to set up paddy, rice board to oversee production, industry devt

Abang Johari arriving at the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Islamic Complex in Sri Aman on Dec 20, 2025. Photo: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Dec 20: The Sarawak government has—in principle—agreed to establish a board to manage and coordinate industries related to paddy and rice production in the State, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Elaborating further, he said that the paddy industry in the Sri Aman Division will be developed using ‘perennial rice’ seeds, which have the potential to ensure higher and more sustainable yields.

At the same time, he also added that the Sarawak government, through the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodities, and Regional Development, is refining procedures to enable the State to import paddy seeds and export paddy and rice beyond Sarawak.

“Discussions are now being held with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Malaysia on the importation of seeds and the export of rice, because at present these activities are carried out by Bernas.

“As such, we want an investment arrangement whereby our paddy board will be approved to export and import seeds and rice for our paddy production,” he said to reporters after officiating the opening of the Sarawak Islamic Complex in Sri Aman today. — DayakDaily