SERIAN: The Sarawak Government is proposing the adoption of the Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model to strengthen the state’s paddy and rice industry.
Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD), Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said his ministry plans to introduce the model to boost rice production and optimise the development of idle agricultural land.
Speaking during a working visit to the Paya Payang Tubih Scheme in Tebedu here today, he explained that under the DBOT approach, investors or private entities would design, build and operate paddy cultivation facilities before transferring ownership back to farmers or landowners after a mutually agreed period.
“We have several alternatives. Investors may lease the facilities, or if necessary, the government can purchase them as the infrastructure is essential,” he said.
Dr Rundi said formal agreements would only be signed once consent is reached between landowners and investors, including clear terms on the operational duration before the facilities are handed back.
He emphasised that M-FICORD, together with the Department of Agriculture Sarawak, will serve as facilitators to safeguard the interests of all parties and ensure a win-win outcome.
“If landowners are capable, the facilities can be returned to them for self-management, but not for resale,” he said.
Dr Rundi pointed out that a similar model implemented in Sambas, West Kalimantan, has recorded rice production of up to three million metric tonnes annually.
Also present during the visit were Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben, Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simong Sinang Bada, Director of the Sarawak Agriculture Department Dominic Chunggat, and Serian Division Resident, Caroline Cleophas Joseph.
