Sarawak seeks return of power to appoint PPNS board, citing MA63

KOTA SAMARAHAN (Sept 25): Sarawak government wants to take back the power to appoint the board of directors for Sarawak Farmers Organisation (PPNS), said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this will involve devolution of power from the federal minister in charge of agriculture to Sarawak’s minister in charge of agriculture.

“That is the present regulation, not (provision under) the law. But we can go for administrative administration, to directly give the power back to us.

“This concept of devolution of power is similar to the spirit of MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963). This involves administration matters.

“Later we will get the Permanent Secretary (of Ministry of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development) to do it,” he said at a press conference after launching the PPNS new headquarters here today.

PPNS chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail in his speech had said the power was put under the federal minister of agriculture in 2018 even though agriculture is in the state list in the Federal Constitution.

He also pointed out that Sarawak is the only state to have its own Farmers Organisation, and does not have Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang (LPP) like other states in the country.

“In the spirit of the MA63 and the Unity Government, the power should be devolved to the Minister of Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development in Sarawak so that the administration of PPNS and PPK (Area Farmers Organisation) in Sarawak can be coordinated according to the policy and direction of the Sarawak government in agriculture,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the PPNS new headquarters, Dr Abdul Rahman said it was built with RM20 million allocation from the Sarawak government.

Its facilities include the Peladang eShop, function hall, sales gallery, business centre, Agri Input Kiosk and the Farmers Market.

Dr Abdul Rahman said another RM17 million has been allocated by the Sarawak government to build a PPNS Warehouse near the headquarters.

This project is expected to start in the first quarter of 2025 and be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Also present at the event were Food Industries, Commodities and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and his Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben.

Dr Rundi in his speech called on more young people to participate in the agriculture sector to realise the Sarawak government’s desire to become a net food exporter by 2030.

He said they are encouraged to utilise smart farming methods in their venture.