Set clear roadmap to boost rice self-sufficiency, rep tells S'wak govt

Borneo Post

2 days ago

Yong says Sarawak should also conduct a comprehensive review and audit of all major padi cultivation projects implemented since 2010. – Bernama photo
KUCHING (June 13): Pending assemblywoman, Violet Yong, has urged the Sarawak government to devise a clear and measurable roadmap to raise the state's rice self-sufficiency level to at least 60 per cent, in a bid to strengthen food security.
She said the state should also conduct a comprehensive review and audit of all major padi cultivation projects implemented since 2010.
'I also urge the state government to publish data on rice production and progress made under recent state initiatives,' she said in response to State Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom's recent statement that warned of a potential rice supply crisis if exports from Vietnam and India were disrupted.
While global risks are real, Yong said the situation reflects deeper structural gaps in Sarawak's food security planning.
She expressed regret that Sarawak's rice self-sufficiency remains low, hovering around 38 to 40 per cent despite decades of development and repeated initiatives aimed at strengthening local production.
'This is despite numerous initiatives and repeated commitments to strengthen local rice production,' she said.
She said Sarawak had seen several major padi initiatives fall short of expectations over the years, citing the mini estates in Sungai Tulai and Sungai Tekap (Meradong), covering 662 hectares, which have officially been acknowledged as failures with no meaningful output.
'The much-publicised Jelapang Padi Batang Lupar, announced in 2013, remains largely dormant with no visible results more than a decade later.
'Traditional padi schemes in Samarahan and Sri Aman continue to struggle with the same unresolved issues including poor irrigation, lack of mechanisation and minimal state follow-through.
'These are not isolated setbacks but they point to systemic shortcomings in planning, execution and accountability,' she said.
She noted that while newer efforts like Gelombang Padi and AgriHub@Gedong may look promising on paper, the public has yet to see solid evidence of their effectiveness.
She said there must be greater transparency and accountability, particularly regarding actual yields, hectares genuinely cultivated and the long-term sustainability of these programmes.
Without concrete performance data, Yong warned, such initiatives risk becoming little more than headline-driven projects with limited impact.
'As we move forward, it is essential that the Sarawak government goes beyond repeated announcements and shifts focus to consistent execution, robust monitoring and meaningful support for farmers on the ground especially in rural areas.
'Food security cannot be treated as an afterthought or a reactive measure. It requires clear direction, long-term commitment and genuine collaboration.
'Sarawak must plan with foresight, not scramble in crisis,' she said. food security padi self sufficiency violet yong