The development of the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill 2026 is not only aimed at safeguarding Sarawak’s long-term food security, but also protecting padi lands and ensuring strict governance of public funds.
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi said traditional padi cultivation areas across the state were steadily being converted into oil palm plantations and commercial developments.
“If we fail to protect our padi lands today, future generations may inherit economic growth, but face greater food insecurity,” he said when debating in support of the Bill.
He welcomed the Bill’s provision empowering the state government to declare Padi Development Areas — formally designated zones where suitable land could be identified, preserved and developed exclusively for padi cultivation.
Abdul Yakub was equally firm on governance, stressing that the Board’s success must not be measured by reports and statistics alone but by tangible outcomes, including higher rice production, better farmer welfare, a more stable rice supply, and reduced dependence on imports.
He praised the Bill’s built-in accountability framework, which includes provisions on financial procedures, independent auditing, annual reporting, and ministerial oversight.
“Public funds allocated for food security and agricultural development must be managed efficiently, responsibly, and for the benefit of the people,” he said.
