KUCHING: A new Bill aimed at strengthening Sarawak’s food security agenda through the establishment of a dedicated statutory authority for the state’s padi and rice industry will be tabled during the upcoming State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
DUN Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said the proposed Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026 seeks to establish a central authority to coordinate, develop and strengthen the state’s padi and rice industry.
The Bill will be tabled by Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom during the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly.
“This Bill seeks to establish the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board as a central statutory authority to coordinate, develop and strengthen the padi and rice industry within the state,” he said on Saturday.
Mohamad Asfia said Sarawak has the constitutional power to legislate on matters relating to agriculture and land.
He said areas designated for padi development under the proposed legislation would involve approved state land areas to avoid ownership disputes which may affect the implementation and success of projects.
“The land that will be developed for padi cultivation will involve designated state land so there will be no dispute over ownership,” he said.
Mohamad Asfia said the legislation would also define padi and rice comprehensively, including all species, varieties, padi products and rice products covered under the law.
“Among the salient features of the Bill are the establishment of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board and its fund, powers and functions of the board, powers to regulate padi and rice-related activities, establishment of committees, appointment of a general manager as well as financial provisions,” he said.
Mohamad Asfia also disclosed that seven state land areas have been identified for padi development under the proposed law.
The first, second and third readings for the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026 are all scheduled to take place on May 12 during the DUN sitting.
