KAMPUNG Kaba in Saratok has been identified as a potential pioneer site for large-scale modern padi cultivation, with RM4.8 million allocated by the Sarawak Government to support infrastructure and agricultural development efforts.
Kalaka Assemblyman Mohamad Duri said more than 30 hectares of land in Kampung Kaba have been allocated for modern rice and paddy production using advanced agricultural technology, with a target of achieving up to five harvests within two years.
“The project reflects Sarawak’s serious commitment towards strengthening food security and reducing dependence on imported rice.
“The aspiration in transforming Kampung Kaba to a modern paddy farming area, aiming to yield up to five harvests within two years,” he said when debating in support of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026, during the DUN Sitting today (May 12).
Additionally, he said that RM2.5 million from the allocation total will be used to construct a rice processing factory at the Kampung Kabar Paddy Scheme by the Public Works Department (PWD).
“However, another RM1.5 million has been allocated to upgrade drainage and irrigation systems through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID).
“While RM800,000 will be funded for the installation of the 11kV high-voltage electricity supply, overhead lines and a 50kVA transformer through Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB),” he said.
Furthermore, he said the development of Kampung Kaba and Sungai Nyiar could serve as a catalyst for the expansion of modern paddy cultivation in Kalaka and other parts of Sarawak.
“Paddy cultivation should not only be seen as a rural agriculture activity, but as a strategic sector closely linked to food security, economic sustainability and state sovereignty.
“Sarawak has the potential to contribute significantly towards increasing national rice production through systematic large-scale paddy development,” he cited Malaysia’s declining rice self-sufficiency ratio (SSR).
Moreover, he called for greater adoption of modern agricultural technologies while stressing the importance of attracting more youths into the sector.
“If we wish to accelerate the development of modern rice granaries complete with smart irrigation, storage centres, processing facilities and full mechanisation, then we need young people to drive these efforts.
“We must transform agriculture into a high-income and prestigious sector.
“Youths should be given incentives such as start-up grants, agricultural technology training, financing access and easier opportunities to utilise agricultural land,” he said.
