Sarawak explores DBOT model to boost rice production

KUCHING (Feb 17): Sarawak is exploring the use of the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) method in the padi industry to boost rice production in the state, said State Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.

He said the ministry is proposing the approach, which could help develop idle land and improve overall padi cultivation infrastructure.

According to Dr Rundi, a similar concept implemented in Sambas, Indonesia, has successfully produced up to three million metric tonnes of rice annually.

Under the DBOT concept, investors or private entities would design, build and operate padi cultivation facilities — including developing unused land — before ownership is eventually transferred back to farmers or landowners.

“We have several alternatives. First, investors may be allowed to lease the facilities. Second, if necessary, the government can purchase the facilities as the infrastructure is needed.

“Once an agreement is reached between landowners and investors, a formal agreement will be signed, including the operational period before the facilities are handed back to the landowners,” he said in a statement following a working visit to the Skim Paya Payang Tubih in Serian on Monday.

Dr Rundi added that his ministry, together with the Sarawak Department of Agriculture, would act as facilitators to ensure no party incurs losses and that a win-win situation is achieved.

“If landowners are capable, the facilities can be handed over to them to manage on their own, but not for sale,” he said.

Also present during the visit to Skim Paya Payang Tubih were State Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (Commodity and Regional Development) Datuk Martin Ben, Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada, Sarawak Department of Agriculture director Dominic Chunggat, and Serian Resident Caroline Cleophas Joseph.