SARAWAK should aspire to develop its own recognised rice brand with premium quality and international market potential, says Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.
He said the state’s indigenous and heritage rice varieties carried unique identity and cultural value, which could become high-value exports and agro-tourism attractions if properly marketed.
“Therefore, I strongly urge the Board to establish a dedicated unit for preservation of indigenous rice varieties, while advancing research and branding, along with downstream commercialisation.
“This is how we combine economic growth with cultural preservation,” he said when debating in support of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026 during the DUN Sitting today (May 12).
While expressing support in principle for the establishment of the Board, Yap stressed the need for accountability to ensure it delivered tangible outcomes.
“As representatives entrusted with safeguarding public funds, we must ensure this Board does not become another layer of bureaucracy.
“Therefore, I propose that the Board adopts a transparent Performance-Based Monitoring System with publicly reported milestones.
“The people should be able to see how much land has been successfully cultivated, how much output has increased annually and whether the investments are actually lowering supply vulnerabilities,” he said.
He added that if implemented properly, the Board can become more than an agricultural institution.
“It can become a strategic pillar of Sarawak’s long-term economic resilience and self-reliance,” he said.
