Latest news with #MartinBen
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Local support grows for plan to make northern Sarawak a ‘rice bowl'
Sarawak Deputy Minister Martin Ben told the DUN on Tuesday that 11 areas totaling 4,264 hectares have been identified for modern rice cultivation. – Bernama photo MIRI (May 22): Communities in the Limbang Division have welcomed the state government's plan to transform the region into northern Sarawak's 'rice bowl', citing its potential to boost both the economy and food security. Limbang Malay Association chairman Mohamad Abu said the project is timely and well-suited to the region's fertile land, and it would significantly benefit the local economy, particularly the Malay community. 'We have been very supportive of this effort for a long time and there are many areas in Limbang that can be developed to be used as rice granaries in line with Sarawak's efforts to ensure improved food security. 'This project will certainly have a positive impact in empowering the economy, especially the Malay community in rural areas,' he said. He added that this development shows northern Sarawak is not being left behind and urged locals to take advantage of new opportunities in agriculture, livestock and agro-tourism. Sarawak Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Datuk Martin Ben, told the State State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that 11 areas totaling 4,264 hectares have been identified for modern rice cultivation. Of these, six areas encompassing 2,734 hectares are located in the Limbang District, while five areas totaling 1,530 hectares are in Lawas District. Two areas – Kampung Pandam in Limbang (809 hectares) and Sundar in Lawas (300 hectares) – have already been officially gazetted for rice cultivation. Meanwhile, Kampung Lupak Rangas resident, Ibrahim Tapa, echoed this sentiment, saying that Limbang holds strong potential for rice cultivation, which has been underutilised in the past. 'Indeed, this effort has been highly anticipated and supported by residents, especially in rural areas, for a long time. 'This rice cultivation project can increase income and become a new source of livelihood for young farmers and can provide high returns,' he said. Ibrahim also expressed hope that the project would convert idle land into productive assets, positioning Limbang and Lawas as major rice-producing regions for Sarawak, with potential to export to neighboring Brunei. In the Lawas District, the Ba Kelalan highlands are already a major producer of the premium Adan rice, more commonly known as Bario rice, outside the region and overseas. The overall initiative is expected to enhance Sarawak's food security and reduce its reliance on imported rice, which is often subject to volatile international market prices. limbang northern sarawak padi rice bowl
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak plants 1,049 ha of rubber trees in Tebedu to boost industry, says deputy minister
Martin says his ministry is actively implementing various programmes to strengthen the rubber industry while encouraging youth involvement. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (May 22): A total of 1,049 hectares of land in Tebedu have been planted with rubber trees as of last year, as part of ongoing efforts to boost the rubber commodity sector, said Sarawak Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development, Datuk Martin Ben. He said his ministry is actively implementing various programmes to strengthen the rubber industry while encouraging youth involvement. 'Among the measures taken are the Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) and Latex Production Incentive (IPL), which are provided during periods of low rubber prices to stabilise the income of smallholders,' he said at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today responding to a question by Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada. In addition, Martin said the ministry offers a range of aid schemes, including the Rubber Development Programme, Replanting Assistance, and support from Marketing Productivity and farm infrastructure development. To further enhance the capabilities of smallholders, various training sessions and dialogue programmes are regularly conducted. 'We also hold discussions and training on modern rubber cultivation techniques, farm management practices, and efficient tapping methods,' he added. 'Other efforts include promoting the use of modern technology, mechanisation, and automation in the rubber sector, as well as strategic partnerships with investors to improve farm management efficiency.' Highlighting efforts to attract younger generations to the rubber sector, he noted the introduction of specific initiatives such as the Pergerakan Wanita Pekebun Kecil (PWPK) and Program Generasi Muda Pekebun Kecil (Gempak). 'These programmes are aimed at ensuring the younger generation remains active and competitive in the rubber industry,' he said. DUN Martin Ben rubber tree Tebedu
