The proposed establishment of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill is expected to strengthen economic growth while improving livelihoods within rural farming communities statewide.
Meluan assemblyman Datuk Rolland Duat Jubin said the agriculture sector remains an important economic pillar supporting thousands of livelihoods, particularly among communities involved in padi cultivation activities.
“The establishment of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board will contribute significantly towards economic growth as the padi and rice industry becomes stronger statewide,” he said when debating in support of the Bill today.
Rolland said the development of the industry would generate employment opportunities, stimulate rural economic activities and encourage downstream industries throughout Sarawak.
“The initiative would also increase business opportunities, strengthen agro-based entrepreneurship and attract investment into the agricultural sector across the state,”
“Agriculture is not merely about farming. Agriculture involves logistics, processing, packaging, transportation, machinery supply, retail businesses, research, education and export potential,” he added.
He said that a stronger padi and rice sector would create multiplier effects throughout the state economy while strengthening Sarawak’s long-term economic resilience and food security.
Meanwhile, Rolland said one of the most meaningful impacts of the board would be its potential to reduce poverty among rural and interior communities statewide.
He added that many padi-growing communities are located in areas where economic opportunities remain limited, making agricultural productivity crucial in improving income and living standards.
“Improved income means better education opportunities for children, improved healthcare access, better housing conditions, greater financial stability and higher quality of life,” he said.
