SIMANGGANG: Sarawak is refining the process to enable the state to import rice seeds and export rice and paddy beyond Sarawak, as part of efforts to strengthen its local rice industry.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said discussions are currently underway with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, as import and export matters involving rice are presently handled exclusively by Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas).
He said Sarawak is seeking approval to allow its own rice authority to undertake the importation of seeds and the export of rice and paddy to support domestic production.
“Discussions are ongoing with the federal ministry on the import of seeds and the export of rice, as these matters are currently under Bernas.
“We want an investment framework that allows our rice board to import seeds and export rice to support our paddy production,” he told reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Islamic Complex here on Saturday.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has, in principle, agreed to establish a Sarawak Rice Board to manage and coordinate activities related to paddy and rice production across the state.
He added that paddy cultivation in the division would be developed using perennial rice varieties, which have the potential to deliver higher and more sustainable yields.
