THE state government is planning a Sarawak Padi and Rice Board to strengthen its control over padi and rice industry.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said its establishment will be provided under the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026.
“The Bill establishes the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a corporate seal, capable of suing and being sued, acquiring, owning, holding, leasing or disposing of property, both movable and immovable and doing such other acts or things as a body corporate may lawfully do.
“The board shall for the purpose of the Land Code be deemed a native,” he said when tabling the Bill on the second day of Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Dr Rundi said the board will comprise of a chairman, deputy chairman, key government officials and not more than five qualified members.
He also said the Bill will also provide for the appointment of a general manager who will be responsible for the proper administration and day-to-day management.
“Subject to any written law, the board shall have powers to issue licenses, collect fees, appoint agents and experts, promote research, develop marketing strategies, commercialise the research findings, protect the interests of the padi and rice industry as well as advice the government on policy matters,” he said.
He added that the Bill will also provide for the fund and financial management of the board.
“The Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Fund will be established which shall be controlled and administered by the board and subject to the directions of the Sarawak Cabinet.
“The fund may also be applied for lawful investments and the acquisition of assets necessary for carrying out the purposes of this ordinance,” he explained.
At the same time, Dr Rundi said the Bill also provides the Sarawak Cabinet to declare area of state land as ‘Padi Development Area’, subject to such terms and conditions as it may deem fit to impose.
“The board may either by itself or in collaboration or engagement with any party, discharge its functions to develop such Padi Development Areas in accordance with this ordinance or its regulations,” he said.
He also said the Bill provides for enforcement and investigation powers whereby authorised officers may enforce the provisions of this Ordinance by investigating offences, accessing computerised data, seizing and disposing of padi, rice or related equipment.
“In addition, the Bill provides for the prosecution of offences, penalties for abetment or attempts and a general penalty for offences where penalty is not expressly provided.
Corporate bodies may also be held liable under certain circumstances as specificised in this ordinance,” he added.
