BINTULU: Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu will bring Sarawak’s request for an additional RM1 billion to develop paddy infrastructure to the federal Cabinet.
He said increasing Sarawak’s rice production would also help improve the country’s overall self-sufficiency level (SSL).
“If Sarawak can produce enough for Sarawak, it means the state is already helping the country’s SSL.
“The allocation requested earlier will certainly be brought to the Cabinet, because food security and awareness of the need for sufficient food supply are becoming increasingly important.
“What was proposed by the Minister and the Premier earlier is something we very much welcome, and we will find ways to provide our full support,” he told reporters after Sarawak Agrofest 2026 at Lapangan Terbang Lama Bintulu here today (Sept 28).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the event.
During his speech, Abang Johari said Sarawak is prepared to match any additional federal allocation for paddy development on a one-to-one basis, on top of the RM1 billion already allocated by the state government.
Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom had also appealed for additional federal funding, saying substantial investment is required to develop the necessary paddy infrastructure.
He said developing one hectare requires about RM500,000.
“RM1 billion from the state will only allow us to develop 2,000 hectares. We have another 12,000 hectares, so we are asking for assistance.
“If not, perhaps speak to the Ministry of Finance or the prime minister,” Rundi said.
Mohamad said greater emphasis must also be placed on modernising paddy cultivation, which continues to involve small-scale operations and older farming methods.
He said adopting modern technology would be crucial if Malaysia is to raise its rice SSL to at least 80 per cent over the next seven to eight years.
“We need to give greater attention to paddy because it is still being cultivated on a small scale and using old technology.
“If we do not move towards modern technology, it will be very difficult for us to achieve at least 80 per cent SSL within the next seven to eight years,” he said.
Mohamad said his ministry is also seeking greater allocations from the Ministry of Finance, particularly in view of El Niño conditions, which he said are expected to affect the country this year and next year.
He stressed that food security remains a national concern regardless of where food production takes place.
“Food security is important to everyone, regardless of which state they are in,” he said.
