Sarawak’s proposed paddy import collaboration with Sambas, Kalimantan will require approval from both the Indonesian and Malaysian federal governments before it can proceed, says Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom.
Dr Rundi said discussions are still at an early stage, but both parties are optimistic that the matter can be resolved once suitable arrangements are reached.
“So that is why even Sambas, Kalimantan, they need the green light from Jakarta, and so do we need the green light from Putrajaya.
“All this can be ironed out once we meet the right formula,” he told a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding up speech during the DUN Sitting today (May 19).
He said the state is simultaneously working to strengthen local animal feed production through alternative raw materials to reduce dependence on imported soybean and corn.
According to him, the Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (SALCRA) has been entrusted to explore the use of oil palm biomass, palm kernel by-products, and black sugar flour as alternative protein sources for livestock feed.
“With that, we will reduce the price of animal feed,” he said.
On the proposed paddy imports, Dr Rundi said he recently visited Sambas, Kalimantan where local authorities indicated they have an annual surplus of about 65,000 metric tonnes of paddy.
“They are willing to share about 45,000 metric tonnes with us,” he said.
He noted that food security must remain a priority, warning that neglecting local food production could create long-term risks.
Dr Rundi said several matters still need to be finalised before any agreement can be reached, including pricing, quality and consistency of supply.
“The pricing is important, the quality is important, and also the consistency. It has to be very consistent,” he stressed.
He added that he personally prefers importing paddy rather than processed rice, as Sarawak could mill and process the grain locally to create added value for the state’s rice industry.
