Sarawak develops RM30 mln infrastructure in Lubok Punggor to increase padi production

GEDONG (Nov 29): The Sarawak government, through the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Sarawak, is developing infrastructure and an irrigation system for 54.4 hectares of padi fields in Lubok Punggor.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, said that the RM30 million project, approved last February, aims to increase Sarawak’s rice production from 32 per cent to at least 50 per cent of the state’s demand, enabling surplus production for export beyond the state.

“Our initial target was to achieve this by 2030, but with accelerated implementation, this goal might be achieved as early as 2027. With this model, we will expand to cover a total of 520 hectares, block by block.

“Once all blocks are completed, we anticipate a padi yield of approximately five tonnes based on the current structure.

“However, with an efficient system like the one we are developing, the yield could increase to as much as eight tonnes,” he told reporters after launching the Mid Sadong 1 Rehabilitation Scheme at Lubok Punggor here today.

He explained that the same model would be implemented in other areas, including Tanjung Purun in Lundu, Tanjung Bijat and Stumbin in Sri Aman, and Lingga, covering a combined area of 3,000 hectares.

“If 3,000 hectares of land are developed, it will significantly boost rice production, meeting at least 50 percent of the state’s demand for rice,” he said, adding that similar irrigation models would also be introduced in Limbang and Lawas to further enhance Sarawak’s rice production.

In total, the Premier noted that the potential areas for development include 61,340 hectares, encompassing smallholders in areas such as Spaoh, Rajang, Ba Kelalan, and others.

Aligning with this effort, Abang Johari announced that DID Sarawak would be split into two distinct units by year-end to better address agricultural and urban needs.

“One unit will be established under the Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD) to focus on developing irrigation systems for agricultural areas.

“Meanwhile, another unit under the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, led by Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian, will manage urban drainage issues, including flood prevention in Kuching,” he said.

Abang Johari assured that the division of the DID would be supported by dedicated funding to strengthen agricultural development.

“I have announced RM1 billion for this purpose, starting with RM30 million for the initial 54-hectare phase of our padi transformation project. Expanding the project to 500 hectares will require approximately RM100 million.

“Funds will be allocated to M-FICORD to establish the agricultural-focused DID unit. Financing is not an issue, as we will ensure the budget benefits the people directly,” he said.

Abang Johari, who is also the Gedong assemblyman, highlighted plans to revitalise coconut and pineapple cultivation alongside rice production, citing their downstream potential.

“We will replace 100 hectares of old coconut trees in Kampung Lubok Terangas with high-yielding varieties, and a similar effort will be carried out in the Sebangan area.

“Pineapple cultivation will also be developed in coastal regions,” he said.

Addressing concerns about padi as a controlled item, he noted that its value could increase through processing.

“Some are hesitant to grow padi because its price is controlled, but processed rice products, such as rice flour, are not restricted. These can even be used to make biscuits.

“Whether people eat rice or bread, padi remains valuable. We need to be more creative with agriculture,” he suggested.

He added that rice, coconut, and pineapple would form the backbone of the state’s agricultural economy, while other crops could be grown as supplementary activities.

Earlier, Abang Johari officiated the opening of the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI) at Kampung Lubok Punggor during his working visit.

Also present were Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; Utility and Telecommunication Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; and State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki among others.