Nine paddy granary projects in Sarawak with RM223 million allocation aim to strengthen Malaysia’s food security and reduce import dependence
KUALA LUMPUR: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry is accelerating efforts to enhance local rice production through nine paddy granary development projects in Sarawak starting next year.
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the projects span Batang Lupar, Kota Samarahan, Serian and Igan parliamentary constituencies with an RM223 million allocation for 2026.
“This initiative is crucial to strengthen Malaysia’s self-reliance in food supply during import disruptions,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to Aminolhuda Hassan who questioned whether next year’s ministry allocation would effectively support paddy granary expansion in Sarawak.
Mohamad highlighted various measures being implemented to address food security risks including improving the paddy and rice industry and strengthening beef, dairy and aquaculture sectors.
Malaysia’s self-sufficiency ratio reached 56.2% for rice and 90.2% for chicken in 2023 with encouraging growth in beef and fresh milk production.
Physical rice stock stood at 1.19 million metric tonnes as of October 21, sufficient for six months of domestic demand.
Chicken production remains stable with projections of 70.65 million birds this year.
The government is taking a holistic approach by coordinating efforts across multiple ministries and agencies including the Economy Ministry and Rural and Regional Development Ministry.
State governments are collaborating to identify new paddy granary areas while ensuring land allocation issues don’t hinder project implementation.
“Both Deputy Prime Ministers are directly involved to ensure policy alignment between federal and state levels,” Mohamad said.
However, the proposal to bring experienced paddy farmers from Peninsular Malaysia to assist in Sabah and Sarawak remains unfinalised as local manpower can manage new granary areas.
Responding to another question about the shrimp industry, Mohamad confirmed the aquaculture sector shows steady growth and contributes positively to national fisheries self-sufficiency. – Bernama
