THE Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) has unanimously passed the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated state agency to strengthen and oversee the state’s padi and rice industry.
The Bill was tabled by Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and seconded by Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
A total of 30 members participated in the debate, with 28 supporting the Bill while two opposition members spoke against it.
He expressed his appreciation to participating members of the august House for the support of the Bill, and the suggestions presented for more effective and efficient implementation of the Bill.
“I greatly appreciate the constructive suggestions and insightful ideas put forward by all Honourable Members during the debate.
“These suggestions and ideas will certainly assist the Sarawak government and the Ministry in implementing and enforcing the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026 more effectively and efficiently.”
He said this during his winding up speech of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026 during the DUN session.
Under the Bill, the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board will be established as a body corporate with powers to issue licences, promote research, develop marketing strategies and advise the government on policy matters related to the industry.
The Bill also allows the state government to declare areas of state land as “Padi Development Areas” to support padi cultivation and rice production in Sarawak.
Provisions on enforcement, investigation powers and penalties for offences are included under the legislation, alongside the establishment of a dedicated Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Fund to support the Board’s operations and development initiatives.
Moreover, the Bill would operate within the state’s constitutional powers and would not contravene federal law.
