Sarawak Assembly Passes Bill To Establish Padi And Rice Board

KUCHING, May 12 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Legislative Assembly today passed the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated state agency to oversee and drive the sustainable development of padi cultivation and rice production in the state.

The bill, tabled by Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, was passed after 31 assemblymen participated in the debate.

When tabling the bill, he said food security remained among the most critical priorities for any nation, as access to sufficient and stable food supplies was essential to the wellbeing and livelihood of the people.

He said rice served as Malaysia’s primary staple food and ensuring a consistent, adequate, and reliable supply of rice is vital to strengthening food resilience and reducing dependence on external sources, particularly in Sarawak.

“In this regard, we have taken a significant step to strengthen Sarawak’s control over padi and rice industry. This Bill is designed to empower Sarawak to manage, develop and sustain its padi and rice industry for the benefit of our people, both now and for generations to come,” he said.

Dr Rundi said the bill would establish the Sarawak Padi and Rice Board as a corporate body with powers to issue licences, collect fees, promote research, develop marketing strategies and advise the government on policy matters related to the industry.

He said the bill would also empower the State Cabinet to declare any area of state land as a ‘Padi Development Area’ to facilitate padi cultivation and industry development.

“I wish to emphasise that the provisions under this Bill are intended to complement the existing federal framework, particularly in strengthening the state’s role in the development, coordination and enhancement of the padi and rice industry within Sarawak,” he added.

-- BERNAMA