Sarawak offers to match federal paddy funding

BINTULU: Sarawak is prepared to match additional federal funding for paddy development on a one-to-one basis, on top of the RM1 billion already allocated by the state government.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state is ready to provide another RM1 billion if the federal government puts up an equivalent amount.

He said substantial funding is needed to develop supporting infrastructure, particularly irrigation and drainage, as Sarawak expands its paddy production.

“RM1 billion has been allocated for paddy agriculture. If Datuk Seri (Mohamad Sabu) can add on a one-to-one basis, if he adds more, I will add another RM1 billion.

“So, it will be based on one-to-one.

“It is not easy to build drains and irrigation systems. It is expensive. But there are new ways. We have many rivers, so we can pump river water into the areas identified for paddy,” he said.

He said this when officiating at Sarawak Agrofest 2026 at Lapangan Terbang Lama Bintulu here today (Sept 28).

Abang Johari said greater domestic rice production is necessary as climate change increasingly poses risks to global food production and supply.

He said Malaysia’s reliance on imported rice also leaves the country vulnerable when production is disrupted in countries within the regional supply chain.

Sarawak, he added, has the land and resources to increase its contribution towards the country’s rice requirements.

“We have to find a solution to the issue of rice and paddy. That is why we are responding to the national agenda to produce our own rice so that we have sufficient supply for our people.

“Sarawak can play a role because, thankfully, we still have room to increase our paddy production.

“If we use technology throughout this sector, perhaps we will not have to depend on others. We can take care of ourselves and Malaysia can become a country capable of producing its own food,” he said.

Abang Johari said developing the food sector could also generate wider economic benefits, particularly when agricultural products are processed into higher-value products.

He said Sarawak has the resources needed to support such development, including potential sources of fertiliser from gas and oil palm waste.

“This is an industry that can not only help us, but also boost our economy. What we need is technology and the latest knowledge,” he said.

He added that the state’s approach is to develop the entire food value chain, from primary production to processing and other value-added activities.