Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom
SRI AMAN: The Sarawak government has allocated RM1 billion to implement the Paddy Project in the Stumbin-Bijat area, Sri Aman, as a long-term measure to increase the productivity of paddy in the state.
Sarawak Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said this is one of the government's efforts to strengthen the paddy and rice industry through more comprehensive allocations and infrastructure development.
He added that efforts to strengthen the paddy industry are not only important to increase the state's rice Self-Sufficiency Level (SSR), but also as a major contributor to the country's overall food security.
“The success of the paddy and rice industry does not only depend on government policies alone, but also on the commitment of farmers.
"Infrastructure, technology and incentives have been provided but what is more important is our willingness to change from old methods to modern methods, as well as practicing cooperation through cooperatives or agricultural clusters," he said.
He said this when speaking at the IADA Batang Lupar 2025 Customer Day at the Sri Aman Civic Hall on Tuesday.
Adding that, a total of 85 palm oil mills operating in Sarawak have the potential to contribute to the production of food for livestock through 'kernel crushing plants', thus further strengthening the state's food industry chain.
Meanwhile, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi said that the transformation of agriculture in Sarawak also needs to be based on continuous education for paddy farmers and the younger generation so that the sustainability of the agricultural industry can be ensured for the long term.
"With integrated efforts, systematic paddy cultivation management, increasing paddy farmers' knowledge, using the latest technology and upgrading irrigation infrastructure, I am confident that we can propel Sarawak as a major contributor to the country's paddy and rice production," he said.
Therefore, he said, this step also reaffirms the Sarawak government's commitment in ensuring food security for the people and strengthening the state's position in the modern and sustainable agricultural sector.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, Batang Lupar Member of Parliament Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Lingga State Assemblyman (ADUN) Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, Sri Aman Division Resident Mahra Salleh and IADA Batang Lupar Director Irene Lah.
