BY JACINTHA JOLENE & ALEXANDRA LORNA
SRI AMAN: The Lingga constituency has been identified for development as a paddy production area in Sarawak.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this follows a meeting with a delegation from Sambas, West Kalimantan, where rice production has been successfully increased.
He said the state requires 450,000 metric tonnes annually to meet Sarawak’s rice needs and ensure food security.
“I have allocated a substantial provision to the Cabinet to boost rice production. We must not depend on others.
“We currently rely on Thailand, but it is facing climate issues and is no longer exporting rice. Cambodia is also facing problems—so where are we going to source rice?
“This means that in Sarawak, we must venture into new areas in terms of paddy cultivation,” he said during the closing ceremony of the Lingga State Constituency Economic Forum 2026, held at the Sri Aman Civic Centre here today (Apr 12).
Abang Johari added that a paddy project in Kuala Baram, using new seed varieties in collaboration with a local entrepreneur and the Department of Agriculture, has proven to yield successful results.
“This paddy can produce rice within just three months in Kuala Baram using new technology,” he said.
As such, he urged farmers to shift direction by adopting the latest technology.
“We want to increase paddy yields; like it or not, we must use the latest technology,” he added.
