LIMBANG: Sarawak is aiming to increase its paddy production to 240,000 tonnes per year by 2030, with over 3,000 hectares of land in the Limbang Division identified for modern paddy cultivation.
The move is part of the state’s broader efforts to boost agricultural productivity through innovative and high-tech farming methods.
Deputy Minister of Food Industries, Commodities and Rural Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said the identified land for the project includes both government-owned and Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, with development to be carried out in phases, starting with 1,500 hectares of government land.
“In Limbang, the areas that have been identified include Kampung Pandam, which covers 1,000 hectares, and Kampung Sinampuan Laut Sundar in Lawas, with around 500 hectares. Initial work will begin as soon as the 13th Malaysia Plan is launched next year,” Dr Abdul Rahman said during the opening of Limbang Agrofest 2025 yesterday (Apr 26).
He also pointed out that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Lands and Surveys are actively working to identify additional suitable areas across Sarawak to further expand paddy cultivation using modern techniques similar to those found in developed countries.
Additionally, Dr Abdul Rahman expressed his strong support for initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural industry chain in the region.
These include the development of the Permanent Food Production Area (TKPM), the Centralised Processing and Packaging Project (CPPC), and the establishment of a buffalo milk-based cheese factory in Lawas.
