SRI AMAN – The Sarawak government has committed RM1 billion to implement the Stumbin-Bijat Paddy Project in Sri Aman, a large-scale initiative aimed at boosting rice production and strengthening food security.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, announced the allocation during the IADA Batang Lupar 2025 Customer Meeting Day at the Sri Aman Civic Hall on Tuesday.
He said the project forms part of long-term plans to raise the state’s rice Self-Sufficiency Level (SSR) and enhance the nation’s food security.
Dr Rundi stressed that while government investment provides infrastructure, technology, and incentives, the success of the paddy sector depends heavily on farmers’ willingness to embrace modern cultivation methods and cooperate through agricultural clusters or cooperatives.
The minister added that Sarawak’s agriculture transformation must be underpinned by continuous education for farmers and the younger generation to ensure long-term sustainability.
With integrated management, upgraded irrigation systems, modern technologies, and improved farmer knowledge, he expressed confidence in Sarawak’s potential to become a major contributor to Malaysia’s rice production.
He also highlighted that the state’s 85 palm oil mills could support the food industry chain by producing livestock feed through kernel crushing plants, further strengthening Sarawak’s agricultural ecosystem.
“This step reaffirms the Sarawak government’s commitment to food security and positions the state as a leader in modern and sustainable agriculture,” he said.
Also present at the event were Deputy Minister Datuk Martin Ben, Batang Lupar MP Mohamad Shafizan Kepli, Lingga assemblywoman Dayang Noorazah Awang Sohor, Sri Aman Division Resident Mahra Salleh, and IADA Batang Lupar Director Irene Lah.